Shopping for generic brands can be a smart way to save money at the grocery store. Our editors swear by generic brands for products like lactose-free milk, canned beans, and pasta. They also opt for store-brand frozen fruits and vegetables, as there is no noticeable quality difference compared to name brands.
Food costs have been on the rise due to inflation, with a 2.6% increase between February 2024 and February 2025. With possible tariffs looming, these costs may rise even further. To combat this, consider choosing generic store-brand products to reduce expenses while shopping. Planning ahead, using coupons, and making smart swaps can also help save money.
Although the price gap between generic and name-brand items may seem small, the savings can accumulate over time. To help you decide when to choose generic over name brand, we asked our EatingWell colleagues – from food editors to registered dietitians – for their top generic food recommendations. Here are six foods they always opt for store brands. (Please note: Prices were calculated based on products available at Target or Publix, comparing store-brand items to similar name-brand products of the same size.)
1. **Canned Beans**
Canned beans are a cost-effective pantry staple, and Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, EatingWell’s nutrition editor, recommends always going for the generic option. Ball notes a minimal difference between store-brand and name-brand cans, making it an easy swap. Often, she finds store brands on sale, maximizing savings. Use canned beans as a plant-based protein alternative in dishes like burrito bowls and salads.
Estimated savings: $0.50 ($0.89 for store-brand canned black beans vs. $1.39 for name-brand)
2. **Cereal**
With numerous options in the cereal aisle, EatingWell editor Leah Goggins prefers generic brands. Goggins chooses generic cereal, whether it’s steel-cut oats or a sweeter variety, noting that quality differences are negligible. While name brands may have brighter packaging, the price disparity at local stores can be significant without compromising quality.
Total savings: $1.14 ($2.65 for store-brand toasted oat cereal vs. $3.79 for name-brand)
3. **Lactose-Free Milk**
For those needing lactose-free milk due to dietary restrictions, choosing generic brands can be more cost-effective. Danielle DeAngelis, EatingWell’s fellow, appreciates the value of generic lactose-free milk, sometimes even finding it tastier than name brands.
Total savings: $1.50 ($3.49 for store-brand lactose-free reduced-fat milk vs. $4.99 for name-brand)
4. **Yogurt**
In the dairy aisle, generic yogurt is a staple for many. While taste preferences may vary, opting for store-brand yogurt can result in significant savings without compromising quality.
-Store-brand yogurt meets my needs perfectly. I enjoy adding a dollop of yogurt to my morning smoothie for its creamy texture and protein content. Often, the yogurt’s flavor gets masked by other ingredients in the smoothie, so opting for the more affordable store-brand yogurt is a no-brainer. Since I purchase yogurt on a weekly basis, the monthly savings really add up. Total saved: $1.90 ($3.69 for store-brand vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt vs. $5.59 for name-brand)
-Pasta
EatingWell’s associate editorial director, Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD, prefers store-brand pasta over name-brand, finding them indistinguishable in taste. While the savings may not be substantial, cutting costs here helps balance out spending on other preferred brand-name ingredients. Total saved: $1.30 ($1.49 for store-brand elbow macaroni vs. $2.79 for name-brand)
-Frozen Fruit & Vegetables
Whether for smoothies or stir-fries, opting for generic frozen produce is a simple way to save money. Packed with nutrients similar to their fresh counterparts, many of our editors, including Ball, DeAngelis, and myself, opt for store-brand frozen fruits and veggies.
Total saved on frozen fruit: $5.10 ($8.19 for store-brand frozen blueberries vs. $13.29 for name-brand)
Total saved on frozen vegetables: $0.30 ($0.99 for store-brand frozen broccoli vs. $1.29 for name-brand)
-In conclusion, while the savings from choosing store-brand products over name-brand may seem minor, these small choices can help lower your grocery bill, especially in the face of rising costs due to inflation. When you next shop, consider the generic versions of these foods recommended by our editors. Remember, every penny saved counts!
