When you are running down the supermarket aisle, the options can be daunting. 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 smart way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Private label products are manufactured by outside manufacturers, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are very similar to name-brand versions. The main difference? Private label options don’t include the high costs of advertising that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that store brands are lower quality, but blind taste tests have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between store brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, the quality is virtually the same.

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

In additional areas like paper goods, it may seem more hesitant to switch to generics, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over here time. Many stores even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Try switching a few items initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you'll likely notice how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.