When you are running down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without losing quality.

Private label products are manufactured by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like flour, the product is virtually the same.

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 receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like toiletries, you might feel more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. In case a product isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even offer return policies on their private-label items, 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 ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over read more time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.