When you are strolling down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without sacrificing value.

Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the quality is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like cleaners, you might feel more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free 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, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the here quality you expect.