When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the choices 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 generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing quality.
Private label products are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.
Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers frequently read more can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, the quality is practically identical.
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 store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In additional areas like toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many stores even offer 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 items initially—like baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.