Generic Vs. Name Brand: Which is Better?

When grocery shopping, you can save quite a bit of money buy purchasing the generic brand instead of the brand name of an item. However, what is the difference between generic and name brand foods? Read on to see some of the pros and cons of buying the generic. Also, find out exactly why the generic brand costs so much less than its name brand twin.

When you pick up the brand name and the generic of a certain product, the visual difference is usually quite obvious. The brand name usually has bright colors and large pictures that are there to make you want to buy the product. It also has that brand name in huge letters. The generic brand usually has very few colors and small or no pictures. The price difference is usually just cents but when you save cents on every product you buy, it adds up to quite a bit of money.

So, why is there a price difference at all? A lot of it has to do with the quality of products that are put into the item. A brand name tends to have a little bit higher quality of products than the generic version and is probably a little more diligent about quality control as well. While the generic may list the exact same ingredients, it may not be as good of quality which could affect the taste. You also do pay a little bit more money for the label that is a little more appealing. The generics cost is kept low by taking the frills away and just presenting you with a less flashy, less quality version for a lower amount of money. You should compare the ingredients of the generic and the name brand before buying. Make sure that they have the same ingredients and that the generic does not have more unhealthy ingredients than the generic. Saving some money to buy a product that is made less healthy is not smart.