When you are running down the grocery store aisle, the choices can be daunting. On one hand, you see well-known brands, with their eye-catching packaging and heavy advertising. On the other hand, there are store-brand items, which are often more affordable but not as well-known. Choosing store brands can be a smart way to save money without sacrificing value.

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

Many people assume that store brands are not as good, but research studies have shown that shoppers often can’t distinguish between store brands and popular brands. In particular when it comes to basic pantry staples like salt, the product is virtually the same.

In the case of medicines, the active ingredients are monitored and must comply with the same safety rules, so whether you’re buying branded medicine or generic pills, you’re receiving a similar product at a fraction of the cost.

In other categories like paper goods, you might feel a bit risky to try store brands, though you might be surprised. In case a cleaner isn’t quite right, the money saved will compensate over time. Many retailers even offer money-back guarantees on their private-label items, eliminating the risk 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, cleaning supplies, or basic groceries. Over time, you may be surprised how much you’ve cut from your budget. By being open to private labels, you can make a big difference in your grocery bill without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality.