Why You Should Always Choose Store Brands Over Expensive National Brands

When you are looking down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Private label products are produced by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that customers frequently can’t tell the difference store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be read more surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even offer return policies 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. Swap out a few items initially—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.