When you’re running down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which Private label vs national brand are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without sacrificing value.
Store brands are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are very similar 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 think that store brands are not as good, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the quality is virtually the same.
For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.
In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.
The important thing is that you can start small. Try switching a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.