Cut Costs on Your Groceries by Switching to Generics

Cut Costs on Your Groceries by Switching to Generics

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When you’re looking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing quality.

Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into the price.

Many people think that cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the product is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In other categories like toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in here at once. Swap out a few staples at first—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.

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