Brand & Retailer Decisions (Neutral)
Now we arrive at the central question: which generic products are the best, and which are the worst? The answer is nuanced. There is no universal “best” or “worst” list, because it depends on the product category and your personal standards for taste and performance. However, we can identify categories where store brands consistently offer exceptional value and others where you should be more cautious.
The Best Bets for Generic Brands
Generally, you are safest buying generic for simple, single-ingredient products or basic staples where the formula is highly standardized. These are items where quality is regulated and there’s little room for variation. This category includes:
Pantry Staples: Flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, corn starch, dried beans, lentils, and rice. The chemical and physical properties of these items are consistent, and you are unlikely to notice any difference except for the price.
Canned Goods: Canned vegetables, fruits, and beans. The canning process is standardized. Compare the sodium content on the labels, but otherwise, Great Value or Good & Gather canned corn is a smart buy.
Dairy: Milk, butter, and eggs are commodity products regulated by the USDA. Store-brand versions are often sourced from the same regional dairies as the national brands.
Frozen Produce: Simple frozen fruits and vegetables without added sauces or seasonings are just as nutritious as fresh and often much cheaper.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Look for store-brand medications where the active ingredient and dosage are identical to the name-brand version (e.g., Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen). The FDA requires generic drugs to have the same quality and performance as their brand-name counterparts. For the best up & up products at Target, their health and wellness aisle is a gold mine for this reason.
Proceed with Caution
Some product categories have more variability, and the “worst” generic products often fall into this group. This doesn’t mean you should never buy them, but it’s wise to try a small size first before committing.
Complex Processed Foods: Items with complex flavor profiles like pasta sauce, coffee, cereal, and snack foods like chips or cookies. The recipes for these products are proprietary. The Great Value version of a complex sauce may use a different spice blend or a cheaper tomato paste, resulting in a noticeable taste difference. Is Walmart’s Great Value brand any good for these items? It depends entirely on your personal preference.
Paper Products: Paper towels, toilet paper, and facial tissues. The performance (absorbency, softness, strength) can vary dramatically. A cheaper roll might seem like a deal, but if you have to use twice as much, you haven’t saved any money. Check the unit price (per sheet or per square foot) and be prepared to experiment.
Condiments: Ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. While some store brands are excellent, others can have a different texture or a slightly off-flavor due to the type of spices or thickeners used.
Dish and Laundry Soap: Concentration is key here. A national brand might be more expensive per ounce, but if it’s twice as concentrated as the store brand, it could be the better value. This is a case where performance directly impacts cost-effectiveness.
When does a name brand win? It wins when it meets a specific need the generic version cannot. This could be for a severe food allergy where a national brand guarantees a nut-free facility, a unique flavor you can’t live without, or a high-performance cleaning product that saves you time and effort. The goal is not 100% generic; it’s 100% smart decision-making.
Regarding dietary supplements, always prioritize safety. Check for third-party verification like the USP mark mentioned earlier. You can find more information about supplements from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and about verification standards at the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). Always consult a clinician before starting a new supplement, as they can interact with medications.
