Soaring prices have prompted many shoppers to turn to store brand options over name brands. If you've experienced sticker shock during your grocery trips, this list of over ten items might inspire you to try cheaper alternatives.
Research indicates that private label sales have surged, reaching an impressive $271 billion in 2024, marking a nearly 4% increase from the previous year.
More shoppers are on the hunt for bargains, and the best part is that many store-brand foods can match or even exceed the quality of their pricier counterparts. Want to know the savings? You could save around 25% on food products and 20%-40% on health and beauty items, making it a smart choice to explore cheaper options. Here are eight top picks to consider.
Almond Milk
For those avoiding dairy, finding an affordable milk alternative can be challenging. One standout is the Thrive Market almond beverage, recommended for its superior taste compared to expensive options. At $3.19 per carton, it's a steal compared to $4.79-$4.99 for many other brands.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are no longer just for summer cookouts; they pair wonderfully with rotisserie chicken or a simple salad for a quick meal. The Great Value brand's Original Baked Beans from Walmart is a fantastic option, delivering great flavor at $1.94 for 28 ounces versus $2.48 for Bush's brand.
Canned Tomatoes
Tomatoes hold their flavor even when canned. Wegmans canned tomatoes come highly recommended for their quality, with less peel than many leading brands. Priced at $1.69 for 28 ounces, they're a bargain compared to nearly $3 for other brands.
Chicken Nuggets
For families with picky eaters, off-brand nuggets can ease mealtime stress. The Kirkwood brand of chicken nuggets from Aldi is a popular choice, retailing for around $6 for a one-pound bag, while comparable brands like Tyson cost between $8 and $10.
Plant-based Protein Powder
Another budget-friendly find at Walmart is the Equate brand of plant-based protein powder. Priced at $18.41 for 32 ounces, it's a significant saving over the $30 price tag of Orgain.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt has evolved impressively, with numerous varieties available today. The Friendly Farms nonfat Greek yogurt from Aldi is highly regarded, priced at around $3.69 for a 32-ounce container compared to $6.69 for Fage.
Macaroni and Cheese
For a comforting and quick dish, macaroni and cheese is hard to beat. One user mentions that her child prefers Wegmans Mac n' Cheese to Kraft's, noting it usually costs less than half the price at just 50 cents per box versus Kraft's $1.39.
White Cheddar Puffcorn
If you're on the lookout for affordable snacks, Walmart's Great Value cheddar-flavored puff corn is a must-try. A fan claims it's even better than Pirate's Booty, and at $2.56 for 5 ounces versus $6.98 for Pirate's Booty, it's hard to disagree.
