When you’re strolling down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be overwhelming. 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 less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without losing quality.

Private label products are produced by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into the price.

Many people think that cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that customers frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the quality is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your Grocery shopping tips standards, the savings can add up over time. Many stores even offer return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.

The important thing is that you can start small. Swap out a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.