When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
Store brands are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into the price.
Many people assume that store brands are not as good, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference generic brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the product is practically identical.
In the case of medicines, 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 paper goods, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many retailers even provide money-back Save money on groceries guarantees on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.
The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few items initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.