The Best Kept Secret to Cutting Costs at the Grocery Store: Store Brands

The Best Kept Secret to Cutting Costs at the Grocery Store: Store Brands

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When you are walking down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their read more eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable 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, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with the high costs of advertising that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that cheaper products are not as good, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like sugar, the quality 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 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. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few items at first—such as baking ingredients, household items, 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 grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.

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