When you are strolling down the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without losing value.

Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, 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 include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t tell the difference generic brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the quality is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In other categories like cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many stores even provide return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you don’t have read more to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you'll likely notice 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.