When you’re running down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, website with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing quality.
Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.
Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t tell the difference store brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, the quality is virtually the same.
For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.
In other categories like cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even offer return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.
The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few staples at first—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.