Purchasing generic products instead of brand-named products is an easy way to save money, but many people wonder if generic products are truly as good as their expensive counterparts. There must be a reason behind the increased price of brand-named products, right? Are brand-named products really the same as generic products? Well, the answer has to be a resounding yes followed by a quiet no.
In most cases I have found that generic products are every bit as good as brand-named products. The generic versions of staple products, paper goods and medications are almost exactly the same as the brand-named versions once you get their wrappers or packaging off. I’ve mentioned before that we use many of the Target store brands with success. So, why would you ever spend the extra cash?
I can’t remember the last time I bought Tylenol rather than a store brand of acetaminophen. Likewise, I always buy store branded toilet paper, flour, and bread. I even buy generic versions of my favorite household cleaners. My theory is that if my family can’t tell the difference between the two products and the generic products works just as well as the brand-named product, I should always purchase the generic product.
Occasionally, I do find a product that’s generic version doesn’t quite live up to the quality of its brand-named version. For me, it’s macaroni and cheese. Kraft’s macaroni and cheese is hands-down better than the generic version. I can taste the difference, and so can my kids. Fortunately, Kraft mac and cheese is often on sale for a price that is comparable to the price of generic mac and cheese. I simply stock up on the brand-named version while it’s on sale.
I believe that the best way to use generic products is to buy them when you can’t tell the difference between them and their brand-named counterparts (which is most of the time). Over time the savings you will enjoy by buying generic products will really start to add up. Then, you won’t feel guilty when you decide to splurge on the handful of brand-named products that your family really enjoys.
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3 responses so far ↓
1 David // Aug 23, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Absolutely, positively 100% yes. Generics are just as good.
Do I buy 100% generic? No, because there are some items where I have a personal preference, and then I will spend the extra money.
But for things like pasta and tomato sauce and staples like that, absolutely.
Now, do higher end brand names taste better?? Of course they do. I’ll start buying those after I make my first million!!
On a side note, I absolutely love your blog, read it religiously..always filled with great stuff.
Thanks!
2 Paula at CreditLaw.com // Aug 23, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I think that it depends.
To answer the question, you must compare products carefully to determine whether you’re comparing “apples to apples.” Recently, I was comparing a generic product with a named brand one (antacid). After comparing quantities, the name brand was actually a better deal.
Ultimately, I think generics are comparable but you should not assume!
3 Roberto // Aug 24, 2009 at 5:10 pm
In my experience the store brand products sold at costco are usually purchased in bulk at most times from the same manufacturer as the real product and therefore no real difference whatsoever. I definitely stick to the generics as often as possible but as you said there are just some things that have to be original.
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