Store-brand foods are usually cheaper than the name-brand counterparts. But are you sacrificing quality and taste to save some money? Consumer Reports decided to find out.
In a blind test, CR’s expert tasters compared store-brand products, to their well-known competitors: ketchup, frozen organic mixed vegetables, ranch dressing, whole-wheat bread, peanut butter, plain nonfat Greek yogurt, mixed nuts, maple syrup, condensed chicken noodle soup and cereal.
“The majority of the store-brands had comparable quality, and in many instances, they were close enough to the name-brand that it’s worth the switch if you’re trying to save money,” said CR nutritionist Amy Keating. “If you’re not happy – and I think in most cases you will be – but if you’re not happy, you should take it back to the store and return it, and get your money back,” Keating said.
More stores have satisfaction guarantees for their products. In some cases, these store-brand products are manufactured by the big companies that make the brand-name competitors.
More Info: Store Brand Foods We Love and a Few We Don‘t
