I’ll be honest, I’m super brand loyal. I guess I’m just a sucker for nice packaging and familiar company names. Sure it may be $2 more, but that means it must be better, right?
Not necessarily.
For some products, generic brands are practically identical to their name brand counterparts. They’re manufactured in the same facility and produced in the same way. This especially holds true for staple food items and dry goods like flour, sugar, and spices.
That may be why chefs are more likely to buy generic brand food, especially things like flour, sugar, tea, and spreads and dips. I don’t know about you, but I trust chefs’ opinions of quality food ingredients...
Here are some of my favorite generic brands to buy:
- Kirkland: There is nothing about Costco I don’t love, including their Kirkland products. Word on the street is Kirkland vodka is produced in the same facility as Grey goose.
- 365: Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value brand is a great option if you’re looking for organic food at a fraction of the cost. My favorite buy is their organic German mustard for $1.99. Free of weird ingredients and utterly delicious, you really can’t beat it.
- Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s has a bit of a cult following, and for good reason. Their products are high quality, inexpensive, and wildly creative. Plus almost everything at Trader Joe’s is generic – that’s how they keep their costs so low. If you’re lucky enough to live near one, run don’t walk.
- No Name: If you’ve ever been in to a No frills or Superstore then you’ve seen No Name products in their iconic yellow packaging with bold black font. While they may not be the prettiest, they pack a huge savings punch. I like to buy No Name baking supplies when I need to save a few extra bucks.
Step outside your comfort zone and explore some generic brand products for big grocery savings. You may be surprised at just how good they can be!
May 25, 2020 at 04:51PM
