Store brands have come a long way from the days of plain labels and bland taste. These days, a lot of them are made by the same companies that produce the name-brand versions-just with different packaging and a smaller price tag.
If you're trying to stretch your grocery budget without feeling like you're settling, these are the swaps worth making sooner rather than later.
Switch to store-brand paper products
Paper towels, tissues, and napkins are some of the easiest swaps to make. Most store brands hold up just as well as the expensive ones, and sometimes even better. You'll save a few dollars every trip, and unless you're brand-loyal for the logo, you won't notice a difference in quality.
Try the store-brand dairy section
Milk, butter, sour cream, and shredded cheese often come from the same regional suppliers as the name brands. In blind tests, many store-brand dairy products score nearly identical in taste. The only difference is the price tag-and sometimes the packaging design.
Swap out name-brand cleaning supplies
Store-brand cleaners have the same active ingredients as most big-name versions. The label might look less fancy, but they'll cut grease, disinfect, and shine your counters the same way. Check the ingredient list-it's usually identical, just cheaper.
Buy store-brand over-the-counter medicine
This one surprises a lot of people, but generic medications have to meet the same FDA standards as the brand-name options. That means the same dosage, same effectiveness, and a much lower cost. Pain relievers, allergy tablets, and antacids are some of the easiest places to save.
Choose store-brand pantry staples
Rice, pasta, flour, and sugar are all pantry basics that rarely differ between brands. Once you put them in your own containers, no one can tell the difference anyway. It's one of the simplest ways to make your grocery budget stretch a little further.
Replace snacks with store-brand versions
Chips, pretzels, granola bars, and even cookies have gotten better across the board. Many stores have invested in improving their snack lines to compete directly with national brands. Try one or two and see-most people end up switching for good.
Stock up on store-brand frozen foods
Frozen vegetables, fruits, and even pizzas often come from the same facilities that package for big brands. The taste and texture hold up, and they cost several dollars less per bag. When you're stocking your freezer, the savings add up fast.
Buy store-brand baking ingredients
Things like vanilla extract, baking soda, and chocolate chips are some of the biggest markups in the grocery store. The store-brand versions usually taste the same once baked into something, and you'll spend half as much overall.
Once you start swapping, it becomes second nature-and you'll see the difference in your grocery total right away. The quality's there, and your wallet will thank you every single week.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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