Don’t Be Fooled by Big Brands: How Store Brands Are a Better Deal

Don’t Be Fooled by Big Brands: How Store Brands Are a Better Deal

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When you’re running down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing value.

Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into the price.

Many Budget-friendly shopping people think that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference store brands and popular 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 branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even offer 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, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.

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