Name brands vs generic brands

You're walking down the aisle and you're looking for rice, but when you get to where the rice is...there's 15 different kinds. What do you do? What does one do when there seems to be a million different kinds of the exact same thing...all different prices...but all the same. How do you tell the difference? You want the good stuff but you're kind of ballin' on a budget here. WHAT DO YOU DO?!? Have no fear...

Generic brands or house brands are in most cases cheaper than buying name brand and are also in most cases the exact same thing.

Photo credit: Google images

Do not let the fancy packaging fool you. Many name brands might be more expensive and look more appealing, but have the same ingredients as the generic brand sitting right by it. The best thing you can do, and yes, it may take time, but you should first check to see what item is the cheapest. Compare values and find the one that you can afford. Remember, even though the box may look pretty, you aren't eating the box; you're eating what is inside the box.

Once you find the one or a couple you can afford, turn the box around. Labels are where the truth is going to come out. ALWAYS check the label. It is the easiest way to find out how these brands compare. You'll find that name brand products actually have more of an ingredient like sugar, flour, baking soda or salt. These are ingredients that you don't want to see in high numbers or percentages.

Now, obviously this can take some time, practice and you may need to do your research before going to the grocery store, but in the end, it's your money and your health: two things that are worth the effort.

This also doesn't just have to be for food. On many occasions, I've been shopping for toilet paper and found that many generic toilet papers or paper towels are just as good.

Photo credit: Google images

Several health addicts, like Heather and Joanie who have a site called "The Krazy Coupon Lady," have actually done studies on generic brands vs. name brands and have found that they would actually rather have the generic in some cases.

So, don't write off generic just because they aren't wrapped as glamorously as their name brand opponent. It may end up saving you a lot of money.