When you are walking down the supermarket 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 more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without losing quality.
Private label products are manufactured 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 store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, the quality is practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re website receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.
In other categories like paper goods, it may seem a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.
The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.