When you’re walking down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. 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 losing value.
Private label products are manufactured 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 the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.
Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers frequently can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the product is practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are monitored and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.
In other categories like cleaners, check here you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.
The important thing is that you can start small. Try switching a few items 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 can make a big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.