When you are looking down the grocery store 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 cheaper but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing quality.

Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that store brands are not as good, but research studies have shown that customers frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the product is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, 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 cleaners, you might feel a bit Budget-friendly shopping risky to try store brands, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved can add up over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples at first—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.