When you’re looking down the supermarket 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 generic items, which are often Budget-friendly shopping more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing value.
Private label products are produced 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 expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.
Many people think that store brands are not as good, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and name 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 branded medicine or generic pills, 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. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even offer return policies 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 staples initially—like 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 can make a big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.