When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing quality.
Private label products are produced by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into their pricing.
Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers frequently can’t tell the difference store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the quality is virtually the same.
In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated 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 a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often here worth it. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.
The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few items at first—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 private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.