When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. 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 cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.

Many people think that cheaper products 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 common household items like salt, the quality is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are monitored and must comply with the same safety Private label vs national brand rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few items initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.