Are Branded Products Worth the Extra Cost? Switch to Store Brands to Save

When you are running down the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing value.

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

Many people assume that store brands are not here as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers frequently can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like cleaners, you might feel more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even provide 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'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.