When you are strolling down the supermarket 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 not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Private label products are manufactured by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into their pricing.

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

For over-the-counter medications, 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 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 isn’t Private label vs national brand quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees 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 items initially—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.