When you are strolling down the supermarket aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their eye-catching packaging and Cheaper grocery options heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Store brands are produced 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 include expensive marketing campaigns that name brands build into the price.

Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that customers often can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the quality is virtually the same.

For over-the-counter medications, the core ingredients are regulated 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 lower price.

In additional areas like paper goods, you might feel more hesitant to try store brands, though you might be surprised. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even provide return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The key is that you can start small. Swap out a few staples at first—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 private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.