When you’re walking down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without losing quality.

Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with the high costs of advertising that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like flour, the quality is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are monitored and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve more info cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.