Store Brands versus Big Brands: How to Get More for Less

When you’re strolling down the grocery store aisle, the options 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. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing value.

Private label products are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are almost identical to name-brand versions. The website main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume that cheaper products are not as good, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the product is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are monitored and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you can start small. Swap out a few staples initially—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 grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.