When you’re looking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without sacrificing value.
Store brands are manufactured 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 assume that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like salt, the product is virtually the same.
For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In other categories like toiletries, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even provide return policies on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.
The important thing is that you can start small. Try switching a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice 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 Supermarket money-saving hacks quality you expect.