When you’re walking down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing value.

Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume that store brands are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that customers frequently can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like sugar, the quality is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant 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 money-back guarantees on store-brand products, 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 items at first—like baking read more ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.