When you are running 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 generic items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of Affordable alternatives to name brands advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like flour, the quality is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.

The important thing is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.