When you’re looking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing value.
Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.
Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is practically identical.
In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.
In additional areas like toiletries, you might website feel more hesitant to try store brands, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, 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—like baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.