The Untold Secret Behind Store Brand Savings vs Branded Prices

When you are running down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing value.

Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that store brands are not as good, but research studies have here shown that customers often can’t tell the difference generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the quality is virtually the same.

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 store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a product doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even offer return policies 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. Swap out a few items initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.