When you’re looking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing value.

Private label products are produced 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 the high costs of advertising that name brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is practically read more identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, 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 additional areas like toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on store-brand products, 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 initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.