10 Store-Brand Items That Are Better Than Their Branded Counterparts

10 Store Brand Items That Are Better Than Their Branded Counterparts

Many well-known retailers have their own store brands that are usually cheaper. Sometimes they’re made with the same ingredients, so you can’t tell the difference in taste, quality or other easy-to-recognize characteristics. Keep reading to get 10 suggestions of store-brand products that excel when compared to products with more famous names.

365 Everyday Value Mild Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese can add a tang to everything from a bowl of soup to a plate of nachos. The 365 Everyday Value brand of mild shredded cheese from Whole Foods Market won consumer and editor taste tests, and it’s reasonably priced.

Archer Farms Balsamic Vinegar

Archer Farms is the store brand of Target Corporation. After grabbing a bottle of Archer Farms’ balsamic vinegar, you’ll likely love the tantalizing flavor that’s sweet with a slight zing. Also, it’s priced at just $7.99 for 16.9 ounces, so this garnish may become your new frugal favorite.

Smart Sense Cranberry Juice

Ocean Spray may be the most familiar brand of cranberry juice to your ears, but it’s also worth trying Kmart’s Smart Sense brand. It’s a little less bitter than Ocean Spray’s blend, and still retains an authentic cranberry flavor.

Great Value Real Mayonnaise

If you’re a steadfast fan of Hellmann’s when it comes to garnishing a burger with mayo, you might not be so loyal for much longer. The Great Value brand from Wal-Mart tastes just as good, but it’s about 30 percent cheaper than the name brand.

Trader Joe’s Frozen Mixed Vegetables

Many people who are pressed for time depend on Birds Eye frozen mixed vegetables to get some of their daily servings without a lot of prep work. The combination of peas, carrots, green beans and corn is very tasty.

However, you may find that the Trader Joe’s brand has crispier veggies that are slightly more appetizing. Also, the Trader Joe’s version has organic vegetables, which could be a plus if you’re concerned about how your produce is grown.

Kirkland Signature Vodka

Apparently research shows that binge drinking equates to binge spending – two things that I would never encourage. But hey, savings are savings. So if you find yourself pining for premium vodka every time you stock up on alcohol for yourself or before hosting a party, think twice and go to Costco instead. The Kirkland Signature brand of vodka is made by Grey Goose but packaged under the Costco name. It also costs half as much as the name brand that might be more familiar to you.

Market Pantry Thin-Cut French Fries

Another standout frozen food that tastes great and won’t break your budget, these French fries are sold under another one of Target’s brands. Once cooked, they’re crispy on the outside, but have a deliciously soft texture inside. A 16-ounce bag only costs $2, so that’s a great reason to choose the store brand over a more known name, such as Ore-Ida.

Great Value Breakfast Cereals

Walmart’s Great Value brand has a full collection of store brand cereals that taste almost identical to their national-brand counterparts. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to find one with nearly the same ingredient list as a leading brand. Plus, Great Value cereals are priced at under $3 per box, but national brands can be over a dollar more than that.

CVS Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Before you automatically make a beeline toward the row of Head and Shoulders or Neutrogena T-Gel shampoo to get rid of some troublesome flakes, try the store brand from CVS first. It’s highly rated by a company that ranks the social consciousness level of certain brands and contains ingredients that are similar to those popular brands, but the bottles are sold at a lower price.

Market Pantry Graham Crackers

Whether you’re packing for a camping trip where you plan to make s’mores, or just want a sweet treat that’s not terribly unhealthy, go with Market Pantry graham crackers instead of a brand like Honey Maid. You probably won’t be able to tell a difference in taste, and may even find you prefer the store brand.