Bitch Session - Name Brand versus Generic
I’m the one who does nearly all the grocery shopping in our household and I can say that I’ve been disappointed nearly 90% of the times when I purchase generic brands. Not sure why. I read the ingredients on both the brand names and the generic and they seem to be pretty much the same. Is it the quality of those ingredients that make a difference? Don’t know. The packaging doesn’t mean squat, of course, yet there must be something that causes it to taste inferior.
With the economic downturn, I’ve been trying to cut back on the grocery bill and have been buying more generic brands. When it comes to bread or milk, I really don’t see a difference, yet I’ve noticed a difference in canned goods, some frozen products and cereals.
I know a few people who swear by them, even saying that some generic brands are better than name brands. Not that I‘ve found so far … but then, I haven’t tried all products, of course. I’m also not saying that all generic brands are inferior. You gotta be able to cut corners when you can, but I’m certainly not going to make a habit of buying them unless the quality comes up … despite an effort to save a few pennies.
Have you tried a few generic brands and what’s your opinion of them?
February 24th, 2010 at 7:17 am
I’ve noticed that generic brands aren’t as good. When I buy fruit pie filling in generic brands (cherry, blueberry, etc.) there is more filling than fruit. Lately I’ve shopped at Aldis for certain items. Their diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pasta/spaghetti sauce and those kind of products are as good as anything I buy in a regular grocery store. I like some of their cheese, but not all of it. Their feta cheese if fine.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Oh, you’re right about the fruit filling. I also noticed that Pillsbury pie crust is superior to the Roundy brand … which is what Pick n Save provides.
There are times when I’d rather bite the bullet and pay extra than to take an inferior product.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:26 am
My local grocery store (an extremely small one) has a generic brand called Flavorite. Some of the generic items I can’t tell a difference with. Like eggs, butter, milk, pickles. But icecream tastes terrible,and their coffee creamer isn’t nearly as good as nestle. Bread tastes about the same. But their dish soap loses the bubbles almost immediately and doesn’t seem to cut the grease.
February 24th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Funny how its a hit or miss with generic products, isn’t it? Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like you have much of a choice when it comes to where you shop.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
I have to say that I don’t really buy generic bands. I drink diet pepsi - do not like the generic diet soda. My son likes Cheezits - but not Cheese Nips. But I do get generic Tylenol - I don’t really notice a difference one way or another. I don’t mind the canned generic veggies, but usually I buy fresh. The generic pasta is okay. So, I guess it is a bit hit or miss.
February 25th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
There are certain things that do make a big difference. I’ve noticed that products such as ketchup, sauces, anything that’s been spiced or flavored seem much better when its a name brand.
Things like chips, snacks, etc., not so much. I guess you’re right. Its a hit or miss. You determine what you can tolerate, what you find better what you’re willing to use in order to save some money.