When you are walking down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, Cheaper grocery options you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing value.

Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are not as good, 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 common household items like canned goods, the product is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In other categories like toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate 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. Swap out a few items initially—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.