When you’re walking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing value.
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? Private label options don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into their pricing.
Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to website basic pantry staples like canned goods, the product is virtually the same.
For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. In case a product isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.
The important thing is that you can start small. Swap out a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, 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 grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.