When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without losing quality.

Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. 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 tell the difference store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like sugar, the product is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, 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 cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality more info you expect.