When you are looking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Private label products are manufactured by outside manufacturers, 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 include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into the price.

Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests click here have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like sugar, the quality is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like toiletries, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved can add up over time. Many retailers even provide 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. 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 can make a big difference in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.