It’s Surprising How Much Money You Can Save with Generic Products

When you are strolling 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 store-brand items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without sacrificing value.

Store brands are produced by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference store brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the quality is virtually the same.

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 receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over Store brand savings time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees 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 at first—like baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.