Don’t Be Fooled by Big Brands: How Store Brands Are a Better Deal

Don’t Be Fooled by Big Brands: How Store Brands Are a Better Deal

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When you’re looking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. 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 cut costs without sacrificing quality.

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

Many people think that store brands are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, 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 generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant to try store brands, though you here might be surprised. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many stores even offer return policies 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. Swap out a few items 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 household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.

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