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

Private label products are produced by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands 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 customers frequently can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, the quality is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even provide return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few items at first—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.