How to Choose Generics or Store Brandsby Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger 05 Jun 2006 04:37 AM If you have rarely used generics or store brand products as opposed to national brands, it may be a bit intimidating to start using them regularly. You don't know what to expect. You're not sure of the quality, and while the prices are lower, what good is that if your family doesn't like the products? Choosing just a few items to get started will help. Select items that are similar no matter what brand you choose, such as table salt, granulated sugar, and all purpose flour. These items aren't going to be much different no matter who makes them. Start inserting a few generic items into your routine to get your family used to the label. When they see there is very little or no difference between these items, they will likely be more open to trying other things. It is true that some items will not be the same quality as name brand products, or will not have the same unique flavor, but if you can substitute at least a few items, you will still be able to save some money. Once you try sugar, salt, and flour, begin sampling simple foods like saltine crackers or white bread. Next, try rice and pasta. You may also find canned fruits, vegetables, and even soups to your liking. Certain soups may not be quite the same as the name brand options, but basic soups like chicken noodle, tomato, and vegetable soup are generally comparable in quality and taste, while costing quite a bit less. When it comes to things like breakfast cereal, your kids may not be ready to give up their Cocoa Puffs or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but plain cereals like corn flakes or rice crisps are all about the same. Just substitute generics and store brands where possible and you will soon notice a decrease in your grocery receipts. Learn more about Sherry Holetzky  Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Relevantfrugal tags User Comments Community Tags generics, national brands, name brand, store brands Discuss this article
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