When you’re walking down the supermarket here aisle, the options can be daunting. On one hand, you see name-brand products, with their vibrant packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often cheaper but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing value.

Private label products are manufactured by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are very similar to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t include the high costs of advertising that national brands build into their pricing.

Many people think that cheaper products are lower quality, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like sugar, the quality is virtually the same.

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 toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a product isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many stores even provide 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 staples at first—like baking ingredients, household items, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to store brands, you can make a big difference in your household budget without missing out on the quality you expect.