As you shop, be sure to compare prices of different brands. NAME BRANDS generally cost the most due to fancy packaging and advertisements-however, sometimes these can be HIGHER quality and taste BETTER than other brands as well. STORE BRANDS are sold by the supermarket chain (so you’ll see the store name on the can, i.e. Albertsons). GENERIC BRANDS have plain labels, aren’t advertised, and are generally the cheapest. Like I said before, the quality and taste between these three may differ-so it’s important to try the brands and decide which are worth paying the money for and which aren’t. What you’re willing to pay for is entirely up to you and your family-but it’s important to remember that if your family won’t eat it because they don’t like the taste-it’s a waste of money in the end. Also, be sure to compare brands that are on sale. Sometimes name brands can be cheaper than store brands because it’s on sale so be sure to LOOK around!
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I used to work at a grocery store when in college. The guy that brought the mission tortilla’s in also brought the store brand in. I asked him why. He said they are the same things. They are produced in the same plant, with a different label.
I know this is not true of everything, but I saw a lot of this in the back room of the store.
you need to keep a price book as taught in the tighwad gazette – it will totally change your life!!!
That’s for sure. When I make my shopping list, I write down what my pricebook says is my best price. Then at the store, I know whether or not to purchase it or wait or search somewhere else. Happened more than once that I avoided overspending.
Keep a can opener in the car. Buy the bargain can, go out and taste it. If the quality is there and the price is right you can stock up NOW and not have to wait. If it isn’t up to your standards you can pass. You can also buy one of each producer that you are considering and detemine which your family would like. This is good for veggies, as well as pasta, fruit, and other things.
I went to church with an independent truck driver who moved canned veggies. He showed up early for his run one day and asked to watch as they were getting stuff ready that day this is what he said happened. They are the same products. The only difference is when they are put in the can. The name brad cans are packaged first the store bands are packaged second and the generic is the bottom of the barrell. So the name brand is always the best of the products and so forth.