Consumer staples stocks seem to be on a roller coaster ride of late amid a host of macroeconomic issues and continued volatility in the equity market. Investors anticipate yet another earnings decline for the S&P 500 index, probably making it the fourth consecutive quarter of decline. Though U.S. consumer spending has rebounded in the recent past owing to lower crude oil prices, improving job market, rising wages, and improved home sales; the slide in oil prices is also leading to worries related to global deflation and an economic slowdown. In addition to these, continued appreciation of the U.S. dollar relative to most foreign currencies will continue to weigh on earnings of U.S.- based staples companies with significant international operations. Other risks include uncertainty regarding the Fed rate hike, potential price wars, a competitive environment, slowdown in international markets, political turmoil in Russia, sluggishness in China and Japan and an unfavorable economic environment in Europe. Therefore, it is clear that the overall picture for the consumer staples sector is not very pleasing as many stocks are witnessing earnings declines and narrowing their fiscal 2016 guidance (Read: What Will Q1 Earnings Season Bring). Amid this dull scenario ahead of the earnings season, we bring to you five consumer stocks that appear to be promising based on their favorable Zacks Rank – Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) and a positive Earnings ESP of 1% or more. Our research shows that for stocks with this combination, the chance of a positive earnings surprise is as high as 70%. It makes sense to add these potential winners to your portfolio ahead of their releases. A rational investment can fetch higher returns after an earnings beat. 5 Prominent Choices You may bet on The Kraft Heinz Company KHC, which manufactures and markets food and beverage products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and rest of world. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has an Earnings ESP of +6.56%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the first quarter of 2016 stands at 61 cents a share. The Pittsburgh, PA-based company delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 1.08% over the trailing four quarters and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.81%. The company is slated to report results on Apr 26. Investors can also count on Kellogg Company K, which manufactures and markets ready-to-eat cereal and convenience foods. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #2 and has an Earnings ESP of +4.30%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the first quarter of 2016 stands at 93 cents a share. This Battle Creek, MI-based company registered an average positive earnings surprise of 3.84% over the trailing four quarters, and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 6.62%. The company is expected to report results on May 5. We also suggest investing in consumer products giant Kimberly-Clark Corporation KMB. Based in Dallas, TX, Kimberly-Clark carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has an Earnings ESP of +1.99%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the first quarter of 2016 stands at $1.51 a share. The company registered an average positive earnings surprise of 2.60% over the trailing four quarters and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.20%. The company is expected to report results on Apr 22. New York based Philip Morris International, Inc. PM can also be an attractive stock for investors. This cigarette manufacturer has a Zacks Rank #2 and an Earnings ESP of +0.92%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the first quarter of 2016 stands at $1.09 a share. The company registered an average positive earnings surprise of 8.37% over the trailing four quarters and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 8.11%. The company is expected to report results on Apr 19. Another consumer staple company that can add value to the portfolio is Tupperware Brands Corporation TUP. Tupperware, which offers design-centric preparation, storage and serving solutions for the kitchen and home, has a Zacks Rank #2 and an Earnings ESP of +1.16%. This Orlando, FL -based company registered an average positive earnings surprise of 4.37% over the trailing four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the first quarter of 2016 stands at 86 a share. The stock has a long-term earnings growth rate of 11.00%. The company is expected to report results on Apr 20. Bottom Line We believe that investing in these companies, which have an earnings beat potential, should yield strong returns for your portfolio in the short term. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report KIMBERLY CLARK (KMB): Free Stock Analysis Report TUPPERWARE BRND (TUP): Free Stock Analysis Report KELLOGG CO (K): Free Stock Analysis Report PHILIP MORRIS (PM): Free Stock Analysis Report KRAFT HEINZ CO (KHC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research