When you’re looking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to save money without losing quality.
Private label products are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into the price.
Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items read more like salt, the quality is practically identical.
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 generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.
In additional areas like toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even provide 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 items at first—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.