Shopping Generic Brands vs. Brand Names to Help Save Money

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Taking a trip to the supermarket is something that most families do at least once a week, and the buying decisions that are made can either make or break a budget. One question that many shoppers face is the debate between generic brands vs. brand names. While some may question the quality of generic brands, there is no question that they are a lot cheaper and result in an overall decrease in the family expenses.

Food

When it comes to food items, savings on generic brands vs. brand names can range from a few cents to a few dollars per item. There will be some brand name items you just can't live without because their generic counterparts aren't as good, such as sauces and salad dressings. However, while a generic brand cola may not taste as good as Coca Cola Classic, the store brand may provide better taste in other flavors, such as grape or orange. So don’t discount generics just because of one bad experience.

Fruits, vegetables, sauces and frozen foods are a consistent area we purchase almost every week. Vegetables are vegetables no matter what the label says but the price will add up in cents. The big payoff here comes from switching to generic frozen vegetables instead of fresh, which have just as many vitamins and nutrients.

Milk, eggs, bread, and butter are equally good when it comes to either store or regular brands, except the store brand comes with a lower price tag. So there's no room for failure here.

Cleaning Products and Paper Items

Cleaning products is a very competitive area as far as pricing goes and the same applies to paper products like toilet paper and paper towels. While it may be worth it to buy store brand paper towels if you frequently scrub carpets, every one else can stick with the generic brands and save some money. In fact, Consumer Reports has tested many of these products and found that paper towels and food storage bags perform the same whether they are generic or name brand.