When you’re strolling down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with Store brands vs name brands their vibrant 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 smart way to cut costs without losing quality.
Store brands are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into the price.
Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers frequently can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the product is practically identical.
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 generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In other categories like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.
The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples initially—like 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 grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.