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

Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into the price.

Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish here between store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the product is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, 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 other categories like toiletries, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide money-back guarantees 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 items at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice 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.