An Easy Tip to Cutting Costs at the Grocery Store: Try Private Label Products

When you’re looking down the grocery store aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing value.

Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.

Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers Save money on groceries frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, 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 branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In other categories like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a product doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice 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.