When you are strolling down the supermarket 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 not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s Supermarket money-saving hacks brand. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into their pricing.

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

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, it may seem a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even provide money-back guarantees on their private-label items, 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, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.