When you are walking down the grocery store aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to save money without losing value.

Store brands are produced by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into the price.

Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference generic brands website and name brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the quality is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In additional areas like cleaners, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, eliminating the risk 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, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.