When you are walking down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be daunting. 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 more affordable but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Store brands are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the quality is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, read more so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like cleaners, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the savings can add up over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on store-brand products, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised 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.