The Truth About Store Brand Products vs Name Brands: How to Save Money

When you are walking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without losing value.

Private label products are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.

Many people think that store brands are not as good, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The key is Store brand savings that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.