When you’re walking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to save money without sacrificing value.
Store brands are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.
Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, 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 product is practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated Budget-friendly shopping and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even offer return policies 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 at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.