When you’re strolling down the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. 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 more affordable but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing quality.

Private label products are produced by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. 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 cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that customers frequently can’t tell the more info difference generic brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the quality is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, it may seem a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even offer return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free 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 may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.