When you’re walking down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are very similar to name-brand versions. 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 not as good, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between here generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the quality is practically identical.

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

In other categories like toiletries, it may seem 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, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, 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 grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.