Switching to Generic Could Save You a Fortune

When you’re walking down the grocery store aisle, the options 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 store-brand items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Private label products are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume that store brands are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, the quality is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are monitored and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a product doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples at first—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store website brands, you can make a big difference in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.