When you’re strolling down the supermarket 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 less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without losing value.
Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into the price.
Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, 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 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 generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In other categories like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even offer return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.
The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. Budget-friendly shopping By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.