There are some items I refuse to purchase in the generic form. It isn’t because I am a snob or because I have brand loyalty, no, it is simply because they do not work. Often, however, items with labels on them are just that. They are packaged and marketed prettier in order to catch the consumer’s eye. People are drawn to them because they recognize the name and automatically assume the product is of higher quality. Not always the case!
I have no qualms about seeking out the generic, or lower priced brand, on medicine, facial moisturizer, body wash, peanut butter (if you don’t go all natural), and my Greek yogurt.
Meds
Ibuprofen and over the counter medicine are all the same. Look at the label if you don’t believe me! My family and I have been purchasing the generics of these meds for years and they have worked just as effectively. News programs have touted this fact on numerous occasions. So, before you give in and purchase the Tylenol brand see for yourself. You could save yourself hundreds in the long term if you buy generic in the short term. Also, ask your doctor if they have your prescribed meds in a generic form. Sometimes they don’t, but more often than not they do. My doctor is great about this – which makes the cost of the medicine merely pennies after insurance kicks in! I know some off brands do affect others oddly and they have to switch to the name brand. However, because this is such a rarity you should try the lower priced script before immediately embracing the astronomically priced name brand.
Moisturizer
So, I am the type of girl that sticks with a product once it works. Why change? I love my Aveeno daily moisturizer. Unfortunately, Aveeno is ridiculously expensive and although it lasts a long time, is not worth the price. I went to Target after running out of it and decided to purchase the generic of Aveeno moisturizer. And what do you know? I love it! It even smells the same. I have noticed no notable difference between the two—besides the price drop. Aveeno charges $15.00 and I do believe I purchased my beloved Target doppelganger for $11.00. I will say that I tried the generic in Wal-Mart’s version and didn’t like it. But, thankfully, Target won out!
Body Wash
Why spend a ridiculous amount on body wash? If you don’t buy yours organic/paraben free then they are all pretty much the same. I don’t buy into the ads that pop up claiming to do x,y, and z to the look and feel of your skin. Come on! It often is just a creative way to sell the same age old product. I get the cheapest body wash I can find and sometimes I just end up using my shampoo as a body wash. (By the way, I don’t buy shaving cream. It is a racket. If you need to shave your legs use your shampoo or body wash—just lather it up and it works just as well!) If you just have to have the costly brand, then look for coupons and specials and stock up!
Peanut butter
Mmm…my favorite! I swear I could keep the manufacturers of PB in business permanently. I adore it. If I wasn’t on this blasted diet–and had the luxury of being able to consume anything without feeling sick or blowing up like a blimp–I’d be dipping Oreos in this baby, eating it out of the jar, and slathering it on pretty much anything imaginable. You get the picture–I love peanut butter. Unfortunately, the Jif commercials have done an outrageously good job of marketing their product. I can even recite their slogan word for word. Nevertheless, to their chagrin, I have yet to cave and purchase their PB. I personally buy organic peanut butter because it has no chemicals and no added sugars. But, I have found that the taste of the generic is just as palatable as any Skippy or Jif brands. So, if you’re not one for organic then go for the cheaper option! Oh, did I mention that Jif also contains chemicals, sugar, and molasses? No bueno, Jif! If I were truly a “choosy mom” I’d be choosing au naturale PB.
Greek yogurt
It is the way to go! Did you know that a candy bar (Snickers) has 30 grams of sugar in it? Well, did you also know that the Yoplait yogurt you have in your fridge, which is supposedly healthy for you, has a whopping 27 grams of sugar?! I don’t know about you but if I had a choice I’d be asking for a Snickers bar every time. I choose Greek yogurt because it not loaded down with unnecessary sugars and it also has 14 grams of protein! I also purchase the generic brand at Kroger because it costs a fraction of the price of the leading name brand. I typically can buy the individual 6oz containers for $0.89 with my Kroger card. It’s a great mid-morning snack or a fantastic bedtime treat. Not to mention it won’t break your bank!
I know this list is random, but I jotted down just a few of the regulars I purchase at the lower price. The list could be much larger, but I stuck with the ones that first came to mind!
What do you go cheaper on because you know you will be getting the same results for a significantly lesser price? Please share! I’d love to know so I can add it to my ever expanding list!
I have to agree with you; especially on the medecine one! It never fails to amaze me how many people frequently pay 10 times the price for branded medication. The chemical structure of a drug doesn’t change with the price. Maybe the form of it, the box or the tv adverts
haha!
Savvy Scot recently posted..Mix Match – A Free University Course / Car Updates / Presenting Tip / My Blog is Growing!
I don’t know about the PB. I’ve found Skippy a cut above the pack, although generic is very serviceable. I’d also add generic canned beans to the list. I’ve never known black beans to taste differently from one manufacturer to the next.
Wayne @ Young Family Finance recently posted..Creative Ways to Save on Your Wedding
I think it is just a matter of giving the generic brand items a chance and seeing what you personally like better. There are some generic brand items which are lousy, but others that you can’t notice the difference. It also depends on the generic brand company. Some generic store brands are much better. It also depends on the price difference. If you are only saving 10 cents, sometimes I’d rather just go with the brand name.
Modest Money recently posted..Financial Movie Review: Margin Call