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10 Things That Are Totally Safe to Buy Generic

Skip the brand names and save big.

By Ashley Lall Updated: January 22, 2020

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When it comes to getting your shopping done, you want the most bang for your buck. Unfortunately, groceries and other items like cleaning supplies and pet food can cost a pretty penny — that is, if you’re buying brand name products. The good news is, the store-brand version of some of your most purchased items are actually quite similar (if not exactly the same) as their branded counterparts. Plus, generic products cost a fraction of the others, so you’ll be saving quite a bit of money for your vacation stash! Check out the list below for our favorite products to buy generic.

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Packaged pre-cut salads and fruits.

The thing that matters most when it comes to produce is freshness, and brand-names don’t necessarily guarantee freshness. In some cases, the generic salads and cut fruits at your grocery store come from local farms and are fresher than their branded cousins — not to mention, less expensive!
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Fresh Produce

Again, what matters when it comes to your fruit and veggie is how fresh it is, and off-brand produce from local farms is your best bet when you are pinching pennies and want the same nutritional quality. Even bulk chains like Costco will carry generic-brand produce, so keep your eyes peeled for deals!
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Cleaning Products

The stuff we use to clean the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of the home are made with the same ingredients, whether you’re using a brand-name product or store-brand. And if you’re looking to save even more money on cleaning, check out these DIY cleaning products you can make right at home!
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Water

OK, this might come as a shock (or maybe not), but store-brand water is just as safe to drink as other (way) more expensive options at the store. In fact, according to the National Resources Defense Council, tap water is often more regulated than bottled water! “An estimated 25 percent or more of bottled water is really just tap water in a bottle — sometimes further treated, sometimes not,” their website reads. Want to save even more? Buy a water filter for your home!
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Spices

When it comes to ground up spices, buying generic can save you a big buck. Branded products aren’t necessarily any fresher than generic store-brands, so taste the store-brand versions and see if you like them!
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Frozen Produce

Frozen produce is frozen at peak ripeness to maintain freshness, and that’s true whether you’re buying generic or brand-name. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying your grocery stores generic frozen fruits and vegetables, as they contain the same nutrients as the others do!
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Foil and Plastic Wrap

These kitchen staples are made with the same materials whether they’re brand-name or generic. That being said, quality of these products tend to differ, so try out different store-brands and see which you like the best.
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Baking Goods

According to NPR, even professional chefs prefer to use the generic brand of baking products like baking soda, sugar, flour, and cake and cookie mixes. If the professionals say they aren’t sacrificing quality with these products, neither will you!
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OTC Medications

Off-brand medications like aspirin and antacids are often so similar to the branded versions that there is little to no difference in the formula. What’s more, the FDA regulates all medications whether they are generic or from a brand, so they’re held to the same safety standards!
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Snack Foods

Love to eat a serving of almonds every day for their health boosting benefits, but hate the hefty price tag? Many snack foods like nuts, seeds, chips, dips, and dried fruit are often inflated in price when they come from a popular brand. On the other hand, buying generic snack foods can save you a lot of money, especially if you’re a fan of higher-ticket snacks like nuts!

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