When you’re strolling down the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing quality.

Private label products are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like salt, the product is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers 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, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved can add up over time. Many stores even offer return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

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