When you’re looking down the supermarket aisle, the choices 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 more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without losing quality.
Store brands are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into their pricing.
Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like flour, the quality is practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.
In other website categories like paper goods, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even offer return policies on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.
The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, 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.