When you’re running down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without sacrificing value.
Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into their pricing.
Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that customers frequently can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the product is practically identical.
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 getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.
In additional areas like cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, 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 at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much check here you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.