Are Name Brands Really Better? Switch to Store Brands to Save

When you’re strolling down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. 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 wise way to save money Budget-friendly shopping without sacrificing value.

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

Many people assume that store brands are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between store 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 branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In additional areas like cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few items at first—such as baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.