The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word MUSTS
M
U
S
T
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Essentials" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case essentials = musts.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MUSTS mean?
MUSTS noun- Something that is mandatory or required.
- The property of being stale or musty.
- Something that exhibits the property of being stale or musty.
- Fruit juice that will ferment or has fermented, usually from grapes.
- A time during which male elephants exhibit increased levels of sexual activity and aggressiveness (also spelled musth).
- An elephant in this sexual and aggressive state.