The consumer staples sector includes goods and services that consumers need, regardless of their current financial condition. The category includes companies in the food, beverage, and tobacco industries, as well as household and personal care products. You'll also find retail companies that specialize in selling staples, such as supermarkets, in this group.

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) and Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) are two of the most valuable consumer staples stocks in the U.S. market.