Buying Store Brands Could Save You a Fortune

When you’re running down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. 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 not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing quality.

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 come with expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume that cheaper products are not as good, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying Store brand savings branded medicine or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even provide return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. 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 feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.