When you are walking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to save money without losing value.

Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the quality is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the active 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 receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many check here stores even provide return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.