What are raw materials, such as oil and wheat, that are used in manufacturing called?

The term "commodities" refers specifically to raw materials or primary products that are used in the manufacturing process. These materials, like oil and wheat, are typically standardized goods that can be bought and sold in bulk. Commodities are fundamental inputs in various industries, serving as the building blocks for finished products.

Using the term in this context highlights the economic nature of these items. Commodities are essential components in production chains, and their market prices can fluctuate based on supply and demand. This distinguishes them from other terms that may refer to broader categories of resources or specific uses in cooking or manufacturing processes.

While "resources" broadly encompass all inputs used for production, including labor and capital, "substrates" usually pertains to the underlying layers or surfaces in biological or chemical processes, and "ingredients" typically refer to components in cooking or specific formulations. Thus, "commodities" is the most accurate term for raw materials like oil and wheat in the manufacturing context.