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

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? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like canned goods, the product is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are monitored 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 lower price.

In additional areas like paper goods, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. In case a product doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.

The key click here is that you can start small. Swap out a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.