Top Reasons to Ditch Name Brands and Switch to Generics

When you’re strolling down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing value.

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? Store brands don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers frequently can’t tell the difference store 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 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 lower price.

In other categories like paper goods, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a product doesn’t meet here your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few staples initially—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 household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.