When you’re running down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way read more to cut costs without sacrificing value.
Private label products are produced by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with the high costs of advertising that name brands build into their pricing.
Many people think that cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like sugar, the product is virtually the same.
In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In other categories like cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.
The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few staples at first—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.