When you’re walking down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant 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 losing quality.

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? Store brands don’t include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.

Many people assume that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers frequently can’t tell the difference generic brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like canned goods, the quality is practically identical.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are regulated and must meet the same standards, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In other categories like cleaners, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even provide money-back guarantees on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples initially—such as baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open Store brand savings to store brands, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.