When you’re looking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing value.
Private label products are manufactured by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.
Many people think that cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like flour, the product is virtually the same.
For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, 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 toiletries, you might feel more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often Supermarket money-saving hacks worth it. In case a product isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees 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 staples at first—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.