When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the choices 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 cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing value.
Private label products are produced by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are Supermarket money-saving hacks almost identical 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 their pricing.
Many people think that store brands are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that customers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is virtually the same.
In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.
In additional areas like paper goods, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.
The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.