When you’re looking down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing value.
Private label products are produced by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with the high costs of advertising that name brands build into the price.
Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but research Store brand savings studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference store brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, the product is practically identical.
In the case of medicines, 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 receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In other categories like paper goods, it may seem a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.
The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples at first—such as baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. 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.