Ditch Name Brands: How Store Brands Can Help You Save

When you’re looking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. 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 more affordable but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into the price.

Many people think that store brands are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, the product is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In other categories like toiletries, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. In case a product isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even provide money-back Supermarket money-saving hacks guarantees on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few staples initially—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’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.