When you are looking down the supermarket 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 more affordable but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a Private label vs national brand smart way to cut costs without losing value.
Store brands are manufactured 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 cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the product is practically identical.
In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, 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 categories like paper goods, you might feel more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many stores even provide return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.
The important thing is that you can start small. Try switching a few items at first—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.