Brands rely on your loyalty, but is that loyalty always worth the cost? There are some items that are virtually identical to their generic counterparts — the only difference is how much more you pay for things like packaging and advertisements. Here are five examples of things you should only ever buy generic if you can help it.
OTC (Over-The-Counter Medications)
The first entry is a clear-cut one because they have to be as effective as brand name options: OTC medications. The FDA requires that the active ingredients in these medications be identical to those found in a brand-name product. Whether it’s pain medicine, cold and allergy medications, digestive aids or more, opt for generic versions and it’ll save you a ton of money.
Staple Pantry Items
When we head out to buy groceries for the week, we often throw in brand name products into our shopping cart without thinking about it, especially for categories like cereals, pasta, and canned goods. But these are arguably the items least impacted by branding: many dry goods have premium prices that don’t match the supposed improved quality the branded options seem to suggest.
This is even more true for the true staples like oil, flour, sugar, and rice. Choose the more affordable generic option — we guarantee there’s no way you’ll know the difference 99% of the time.
Household Cleaners
Premium cleaning supplies can make a surprisingly big dent in your weekly budget. Yet generic cleaning products, such as all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents and dish soaps, often work just as well without the added flair and expense brand names have.
It’s even possible that many of the generic brands are made by the same manufacturers as the name-brand products, so you’re probably getting a similar formula for a lot less than the name-brand stuff. There’s also always the even cheaper option of combining vinegar, baking soda, and lemon for a powerful cleaner at a fraction of the cost of even the generic selection.
Personal Care and Hygiene Products
The name can significantly affect how much you’ll pay for personal care products. Premium shampoos and designer face moisturizers are never going away, but if all you want is something that works? You can probably make do with the generic option.
It’s especially the case for products like razors or cotton swabs, as these don’t have different formulations that could irritate your skin like other hygiene products do. We still recommend trying a generic shampoo or body wash to compare, but only if it makes sense for your needs.
Vitamins and Supplements
The final entry to this list is similar to the first in that the generic and brand names have to be cut from the same cloth. The FDA also regulates dietary supplements, regardless of who’s making them, so you can be sure that generic vitamins will still have the right ingredients and formulations.
So whether you need daily multivitamins or something special like fish oil capsules, the generic versions can deliver the same nutritional support without the steep price tag.
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