When you’re looking down the grocery store aisle, the choices 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 smart way to save money without losing quality.
Private label products are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.
Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the product is practically identical.
In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are here regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In other categories like toiletries, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.
The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few items at first—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.