When you’re walking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. 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 cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without losing value.
Private label products are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with the high costs of read more advertising that name brands build into the price.
Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference store brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, the active 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 other categories like cleaners, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even offer return policies on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.
The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few items at first—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, 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 feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.