When you are running down the grocery store aisle, the choices 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 cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without losing 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. In particular when it comes to common household items like sugar, the product is virtually the same.
For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, 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 cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.
The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you'll website likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.