When you are looking down the supermarket aisle, the options can be overwhelming. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Private label products are manufactured by outside manufacturers, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these items are almost identical to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people assume Cheaper grocery options that cheaper products are not as good, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t tell the difference store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, the product is practically identical.

For over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients are monitored and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a lower price.

In additional areas like toiletries, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved will compensate over time. Many stores even provide return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.