The Secret to Cutting Costs at the Grocery Store: Try Private Label Products

When you are running down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. 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 more affordable but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the quality is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated and must comply with Store brand savings the same safety rules, 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 paper goods, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.