When you are walking down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to save money without sacrificing value.

Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, 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 generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.

In other categories like paper goods, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, read more though you might be surprised. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, 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 feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.