When you’re walking down the supermarket 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 more affordable but not as well-known. Opting for store brands can be a wise way to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Private label products are produced by third-party companies, but sold under the retailer’s name. Often, these products are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. 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 blind taste tests have shown that customers frequently can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to common household items like salt, the product is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are monitored and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying name-brand pain relievers or store-brand versions, you’re getting the same thing at a lower price.

In other categories like toiletries, it may seem more hesitant to try store brands, but it’s often worth it. Even if a cleaner isn’t quite right, the savings will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, eliminating the risk to try.

The key is that you can start small. Try switching a few staples at first—such as baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, or snacks. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private website labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your grocery bill without missing out on the quality you expect.