Why Sticking To Brand Names Can Be A Grocery Shopping Mistake

The steep increase in grocery prices over the last few years has many folks looking for ways to save some dough on their next supermarket run. One way to save some coin is to go without some of the luxury items you used to casually add to your cart, but it's tough to forgo those enticing treats and convenience foods in the name of frugality. Savvy shoppers are trending in a different direction that keeps more of their hard-earned money in their wallets these days. The trick? Opting for store brands instead of the big-name behemoths of the industry.

Some stores like Aldi lack brand-name products by design, selling customers everything from proteins to canned goods via relatively cheap private label brands. Most other grocery stores today offer goods under their own house brands like Kirkland Signature and Great Value right next to heavy hitters like Heinz and Nestle — typically at a significant cost reduction. When comparing prices and shopping wisely, folks can save upwards of 25% at the checkout line by opting for these somewhat lesser-known products.

The major deterrent that steers people away from the tried-and-true staples they know is fear that the fear that cheaper prices mean lower quality goods. Yet, according to multiple studies, most folks who take part in blind taste testing either can't tell the difference or actually prefer store-brand items. Although you may still feel that some foods from a reputable big-name brand might taste better, taking a leap of faith on some store-brand options could prove to be a grocery shopping game-changer.

There are undoubtedly store-brand products that aren't up to par with big-name counterparts. For example, your favorite frozen pizza brand that piles on the toppings might be a better choice than what are sometimes subpar grocery store frozen pizzas. Still, there are plenty of other things you can save some scratch on that likely won't make any difference in your culinary endeavors. Canned goods and other pantry staples are prime candidates for switching your allegiance from the captains of industry to private labels. In short, no matter what name is on the label, canned tomatoes, rice, and spices are all going to taste incredibly similar to one another. The only thing you will notice in most cases is having more to spend on some of your favorite goodies.

Meanwhile, frozen veggies are typically just that: vegetables that have been frozen. They haven't usually been doctored up to taste one way or another, so buying an off-label brand represents a good way to reduce your grocery bill without sacrificing quality. Ketchup, ranch dressing, and other staple condiments should also be considered, as many argue they rarely differ much in terms of flavor. If you end up spilling those private-label condiments on the counter while preparing a meal, reach for grocery store-brand paper towels and disinfectants as cheaper options to clean up the mess. Not all of these products will be winners in your eyes, but if you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and experiment with unfamiliar brands, you might wind up wondering why you bought big-name brands in the first place.