When you are strolling down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to save money 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? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.
Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like sugar, the product is practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, 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 a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a product isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide money-back guarantees on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.
The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples at first—like baking ingredients, household items, or here basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.