When you’re strolling down the grocery store aisle, the choices 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 cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing value.
Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, 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 the high costs of advertising here that name brands build into their pricing.
Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference store brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the quality is virtually the same.
In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.
In other categories like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.
The important thing is that you can start small. Try switching 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 feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.