Many investors are attracted to consumer staples stocks because these businesses tend to perform well regardless of broader market trends. After all, recessions devastate demand for expensive discretionary products like automobiles and homes. But consumers don't easily change their purchasing habits when it comes to their favorite toothpastes, shaving creams, and paper towels.Below, we'll highlight a few important metrics to watch when evaluating consumer staples stocks and look at why Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), and Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL) deserve a spot on your 2017 watch list.Johnson & Johnson dominates a wide range of markets in the healthcare industry, which makes the blue chip titan a great choice for investors who value diversity.