When you are looking down the supermarket aisle, the options 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 less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing value.
Private label products 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 expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into the price.
Many people assume that store brands are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like sugar, the product is practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.
In other categories like paper goods, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, though you might be surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, 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. Swap out a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut Store brand savings from your budget. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.