When you’re walking down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching Supermarket money-saving hacks 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 losing value.

Private label products 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 the price.

Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the product is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, 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 getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few staples at first—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.