When you’re looking down the grocery store aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing value.

Store brands 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? Store brands don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but research studies website have shown that shoppers frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like salt, the product is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.