When you’re running down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing value.

Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.

Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, the quality 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 Cheaper grocery options price.

In other categories like toiletries, 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 money saved can add up over time. Many stores even offer 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. Try switching a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.