When you’re strolling down the supermarket aisle, the choices 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 generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without losing quality.

Private label products are produced by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t come Save money on groceries with expensive marketing campaigns that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that cheaper products are not as good, but research studies have shown that customers frequently can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the quality is practically identical.

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

In additional areas like toiletries, it may seem a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. 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 without missing out on the quality you expect.