When you are strolling down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. 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 sacrificing value.
Private label products are manufactured 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 name brands build into the price.
Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the product is practically identical.
For over-the-counter medications, the active 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 more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the savings can Private label vs national brand add up over time. Many retailers even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, 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 at first—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.