When you are walking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. 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 cheaper 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 outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical 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 shoppers frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, the product is virtually the same.
In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same Grocery shopping tips standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.
In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.
The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.