Ditch Name Brands: How Store Brands Can Help You Save

Ditch Name Brands: How Store Brands Can Help You Save

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When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one here hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without losing quality.

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

Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. In particular 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 generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like toiletries, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.

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