When you’re strolling down the supermarket 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 store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Private label products are manufactured by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are monitored more info and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.

In other categories like toiletries, you might feel more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.

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