In economic terms, what do we call the desire for goods that are not essential for survival?

The term that refers to the desire for goods that are not essential for survival is "wants." Wants encompass the various items and services that individuals desire but do not strictly need in order to live. While needs are critical for basic survival, such as food, water, and shelter, wants extend beyond these necessities to include luxury items, entertainment, and other comforts that enhance quality of life but are not required for basic functioning.

In contrast, the concepts of needs and essentials focus on what is fundamental for sustaining life, while demands relate to the quantity of goods that consumers are willing and able to purchase at a given price. Essentials refers specifically to the items that are necessary for survival. Thus, "wants" is the most accurate term to describe the desire for non-essential goods.