How to Get Better Deals with Store Brands

How to Get Better Deals with Store Brands

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When you’re running down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. 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 not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing value.

Store brands are produced by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the quality is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like paper goods, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you can make a read more big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.

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