When you’re running down the grocery store aisle, the options 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 store-brand items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Store brands are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume that cheaper products are not as good, but research studies 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 salt, the product is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or more info generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.

In other categories like toiletries, 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 savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on their private-label items, making it risk-free 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 basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.