When you’re walking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. 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 less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
Private label products are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into the price.
Many people assume that store brands are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t tell the difference store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the quality is virtually the same.
In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re Store brand savings buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In additional areas like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.
The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few items at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.