When you are strolling down Budget-friendly shopping the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing quality.

Store brands are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with the high costs of advertising that name brands build into the price.

Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, the quality is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In other categories like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide 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. Swap out a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.