When you’re strolling down the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing quality.

Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume that store brands are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to common household items like sugar, the product is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must here meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In additional areas like paper goods, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even offer return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples at first—such as baking ingredients, household items, 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.