Are Generic Products Just as Good?

If you’re like me, you clip coupons to save on commonly purchased items, and to justify buying no-so-commonly-used items. And you probably shop at discount or warehouse stores to yield even greater savings. But there’s another way savvy shoppers can save over $1,000 each year – by replacing brand names with their generic counterparts. A recent article from Yahoo.com lists 5 generic products that the author claims are just as good as brand names. They are:

1. Cereal
2. Prescription Drugs
3. Over-the-Counter Medicine
4. Basic Baking Products
5. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

While I agree on these, there are always exceptions, so it definitely makes sense to check your labels before you assume all things are equal. For example, there’s no reason to pay over a dollar more for basic cereals like corn flakes and rice crispies just for a picture of Snap, Crackle and Pop on the box when the generic brand tastes exactly the same. However, I have yet to find a generic cereal that matches the taste of specialty cereals like Kashi. Likewise, for baking staples like flour, sugar, salt and baking powder, generic is generally just as good. But, all baking mixes are not created equal, so don’t assume a generic brand will taste the same.

A few other generic items that I would add to the list for consideration include:

1. Cooking Oil
2. Oatmeal and Other Hot Cereals
3. Canned Vegetables and Fruits
4. Dried Seasonings and Spices
5. Rice

Know of any other generic items that are just as good as their brand name counterparts?

With some savvy shopping, however, families can save over $1,000 each year by replacing brand names with generic where it makes sense. And of course, shopping at discount stores will yield even greater savings.

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