When you’re looking down the supermarket aisle, the choices 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 store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing value.
Private label products are produced by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into their pricing.
Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that customers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, the product is practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.
In other categories like cleaners, it may seem a bit risky to try store brands, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money here saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer return policies 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. Swap out a few staples at first—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.