When you’re strolling 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 more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

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

Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like salt, the product is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are monitored 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 lower price.

In additional areas like toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, here the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples at first—like baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. 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.