Save money: when to buy generic
Would a Cheerio by any other name taste just as crunchy?
Smart Money has a list of five things it pays to buy generic over name brands. Here's the link (ignore the silly logo at the top: a '5' does not look like an 'f').
They say that produce, over-the-counter medication, pantry staples like salt, run-of-the-mill beauty products and organic food are all good options to purchase in store-brand varieties. After all, if it says "aspirin" or "salt" on the package, it's got to be the same stuff inside regardless of the company that packaged it. Compare the ingredients of beauty products and you'll find them very similar, as well.
Generics cost less not because they use inferior materials but because the supermarkets don't have to pay for advertising and possibly research and development of the products.
If your family members turn up their noses at anything but fully trademarked foods, I advocate a little subterfuge.
Try secretly replacing some of these products by refilling a brand-name package with off-brand stuff.
I'd recommend trying generic prepared foods with more caution, although you can find some real winners. If you really want a Pop Tart, a Toaster Pastry might not do, and you might notice a difference between Coca-Cola and a store brand cola.
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
