When you’re running down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a wise way to save money without losing value.

Private label products are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.

Many people think that cheaper products are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference store 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 core ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In additional areas like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to try store brands, though you might be surprised. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your household budget Grocery shopping tips without missing out on the quality you expect.