When you are looking down the grocery store aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their vibrant packaging and prominent commercials. On the other hand, there are generic items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Store brands are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these products are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Private label options don’t come with expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that store brands are not as good, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between generic brands and name brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like flour, the quality is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are monitored and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or generic pills, you’re getting the same thing at a fraction of the cost.

In other categories like paper goods, it may read more seem a bit risky to switch to generics, though you might be surprised. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved can add up over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few staples initially—like baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.