17 Things You Should Always Buy Generic
You don’t need to spend extra money to get good quality.
Generic products and store brands give you the same thing as name brands. And they often cost way less.
The best part? They’re sometimes made in the exact same factories.
When you make smart swaps, you can save hundreds of dollars every year. And you won’t lose any quality.
Here are the items you should always buy generic.
Why Generic Products Work Just as Well
Many generic products come from the same factories as the famous brands.
They’re basically the same thing. The only real difference is the label on the package.
So why are they cheaper?
Generic brands cost less because they don’t spend money on fancy ads or expensive packaging. You’re not getting worse quality. You’re just not paying for commercials and pretty boxes.
Store brands usually cost 20% to 25% less than name brands. When you buy these items all the time, those savings really add up.
Food & Kitchen Staples
Dairy Products
Store-brand milk often comes from the same dairy as the name brand you know.
The same is true for eggs, butter, and basic cheese.
Dairy gets processed and delivered locally. So the generic versions are usually the same quality as the fancy labels.
Baking Essentials
Generic flour, sugar, salt, and cooking oils are basically the same as name brands.
The same goes for spices.
Even professional chefs buy generic for these basic items. If it’s good enough for them, it should work for you too.
Frozen Vegetables and Fruits
Frozen veggies and fruits are perfect for buying generic.
Why? Because you usually mix them into recipes. You’re not eating them by themselves.
Think about it. Casseroles, stir fry, slow cooker meals, and smoothies all hide the individual taste. So generic works great.
Pasta, Rice, and Grains
Pasta and rice are great items to switch to store brand.
These foods aren’t very processed. They’re almost exactly the same as the expensive versions.
The same goes for flour, sugar, milk, and frozen produce.
Canned Goods
Most canned vegetables and beans are very similar to name brands.
Basic canned tomatoes, beans, and broth work perfectly in recipes.
You won’t notice a difference.
Over-the-Counter Medications
The FDA makes sure all generic medicines have the same active ingredients as name brands.
This includes both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines.
Generic brands must meet the same rules for quality, strength, and safety.
Here’s an example: Claritin’s active ingredient is loratadine. You can buy generic loratadine for much less money.
The same goes for pain relievers, allergy pills, and cold medicines. Just check that the active ingredients match.
Household Products
Batteries
Store-brand batteries are made in the same factories as expensive name brands.
Tests show that Kirkland batteries work just as well as the famous brands.
Basic Cleaning Supplies
For simple things like baking soda or bleach, generic is just as good.
Generic all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, and disinfectants get the job done. And they cost way less.
Paper Products
Napkins, paper plates, and toilet paper are good choices for generic.
Some people notice small quality differences with paper towels. But most generic paper products work fine for everyday use.
Trash Bags
You’re literally throwing it away. So why spend extra money?
Amazon, Costco, or Target brand trash bags work just as well as pricey ones.
Other Smart Generic Swaps
Bottled Water
Store-brand purified water is the same as name-brand water.
Both have H2O molecules. Both went through the same cleaning processes. And both will quench your thirst.
Baby Formula
Store-brand baby formula must meet the same safety rules as name brands.
They use the same basic ingredients and provide the same nutrition.
Since formula costs a lot, this is a great place to save money.
Cereals
Basic cereals like Cheerios or Bran Flakes taste almost the same as store brands.
It would be hard to tell the difference.
Electronic Cables
Some companies charge huge amounts for a simple HDMI cable.
But you can buy one for just a few dollars.
HDMI cables, charging cords, and other electronics work the same no matter what brand you buy.
How to Make the Switch Without Worry
Start small if you’re not sure about switching.
Most stores offer money-back guarantees. If you don’t like the product or it doesn’t work well, you can return it for a full refund.
Compare the labels carefully. Look at ingredients, active parts, and nutrition facts.
You’ll usually find they’re the same or very similar. The biggest difference is just the package design.
Making these simple changes can really lower your grocery and household bills.
You won’t notice any difference in quality.
The money you save can go toward things that actually matter. Or it can just stay in your wallet where it belongs.