When you’re looking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable website but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing value.
Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. 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 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 salt, the product 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 generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.
In other categories like toiletries, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.
The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. 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 feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.