When you’re strolling down the grocery store aisle, the options 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 store-brand items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. 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 almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with the high costs of advertising that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers frequently can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, the quality is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are monitored 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 additional areas like toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even provide return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, more info you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.