When you’re walking down the supermarket aisle, the choices 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 quality.

Private label products are produced by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, the quality is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In additional areas like paper goods, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a product doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The important check here thing is that you can start small. Try switching a few items initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.