Own Brands vs Brands: How to Save Hundreds of Pounds on Food Every Month.

Experience of Shopping Without Brands

According to The Sun: My childhood is remembered for Tesco's own products, such as ketchup and canned beans. My parents taught me that a brand does not always guarantee quality.

For some, this may sound harsh, but for me, it's a shopping ritual that I stick to.

I always choose unbranded products if there is an alternative available — this applies to grains, pasta, sauces, butter, and yogurts. You may think I am saving money, but I see no point in paying for a logo.

We have been conditioned to think that brands mean quality. It's just a deception — cheaper products are often made in the same factories with the same recipes.

Economic Substitutes

For example, a can of Heinz baked beans costs £1.40, while the own brand alternative is just 42 pence.

Think about how much you can save over a week — that’s $15-20 in your pocket! Wouldn't it be better to spend that money on what you really want?

There are other products where I save money. For instance, Cathedral City cheese can cost £5, but the alternatives from Aldi and Lidl are equally tasty and cost half as much.

I don't understand why anyone would pay £2.29 for a box of Kellogg's cornflakes when Tesco has an equivalent for 88 pence — and also a larger volume.

Brand Does Not Mean Better

Consumers often choose cheaper products in blind tastings; this does not mean that brands are better — they are just more familiar. For example, Aldi beans scored 76% in testing, while Heinz only 72%.

My family always bought unbranded products — from cereals to toothpaste. I realized that this is not the norm only when I started visiting friends from other families. But I am grateful for this upbringing, as it taught me how to spend wisely.

How to Switch to Unbranded Products

If you want to start saving on purchases, it’s easier than you think. You can easily find alternatives to branded supermarket products online. Most supermarkets have their own version of almost any product.

Large supermarkets depend on their own brands, so start your shopping there. There is also a simple way to find out which products are made in the same factory, using the code. For example, Yeo Valley and Anchor butter are made in the same factory.

Saving Without Sacrifice

Many believe that buying unbranded products means lower quality, but this is not true. I can afford to buy fresh products and luxuries, but without spending on logos. Why spend more if you can save £20-30 a week just by changing the brand?

I am grateful to my parents for teaching me how to shop wisely and consider it a valuable tradition.

Are you interested in learning about your favorite unbranded substitutes? Write to us at [email protected].

Changing your perception of brands in favor of unbranded products can significantly impact your budget. By using alternatives, you will not only save money but also receive quality products that can compete in terms of price. It’s time to make your shopping more rational and profitable!