When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing quality.
Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into their pricing.
Many people think that cheaper products are not as good, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the product is practically identical.
In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In additional areas like paper goods, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.
The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out Private label vs national brand a few items 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 private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.