When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the choices 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 generic items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing value.
Private label products are manufactured by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that name 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 store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, the product is here practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.
In additional areas like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even provide money-back guarantees 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 a few items at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.