When you’re looking down the grocery store 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 generic items, which are often more affordable but less familiar. Opting for store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing value.

Store brands are produced by third-party companies, under the store’s brand. Often, these items are almost identical to their name-brand counterparts. The main difference? Store brands don’t come with the high costs of advertising that national Budget-friendly shopping brands build into the price.

Many people assume that store brands are not as good, but blind taste tests have shown that shoppers often can’t tell the difference generic brands and popular brands. Especially when it comes to basic pantry staples like sugar, the product is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the core ingredients are monitored 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 toiletries, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, though you might be surprised. Even if a product doesn’t meet your standards, the money saved can add up over time. Many retailers even offer return policies on store-brand products, making it risk-free to try.

The important thing is that you don’t have to go all-in at once. Swap out a few items at first—such as baking ingredients, household items, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve saved. By being open to private labels, you’ll notice significant savings in your household budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.