But did you know that for many products, the only difference is the packaging? This is especially true for pantry items such as flour, sugar and rice. Well-known brands often manufacture products for home brand labels, so you really have nothing to lose by giving them a try.
Become a label reader!
The best way to see what you are getting is to look at the ingredients and nutritional panels on the back of the home brand products and compare them with the well-known brands. These home brand products are produced under the same quality standards as the branded products and for many items, the only real difference is the price you pay.
400g Tinned plum tomatoes
Generic: from $0.95
Well-known brand: from $1.50
1kg Plain white flour
Generic: from $1.30
Well-known brand: from $2.60
1kg White sugar
Generic: from $1.80
Well-known brand: from $2.00
1kg Long grain white rice
Generic: from $1.80
Well-known brand: from $3.00
500g Pasta
Generic: from $0.90
Well-known brand: from $2.95
1kg Frozen chips
Generic: from $3.80
Well-known brand: from $4.30
500g Frozen peas
Generic: from $2.50
Well-known brand: from $3.70
700g Shredded cheese (cheddar)
Generic: from $9.50
Well-known brand: from $13.50
2L Fresh full cream milk
Generic: from $3.20
Well-known brand: from $4.45
This is just a small sample, but you get the idea. Before you decide, take a quick look at the ingredients and nutritional panel - you might be surprised how often the home brand, and the well-known brand are almost identical.
Also, if you make a habit of scanning the shelves from top to bottom, you'll often spot better value options lower down.
The best thing is to give them a go and make your mind up for yourself. You could save a substantial amount on your weekly shop, and possibly more with a few of these easy supermarket swaps.
