A good way to save money on groceries is by replacing the more expensive items with substitutes that are just as good. I tried that in the past and though initially I was tempted to give up when I found that the substitute I'd bought wasn't as good, after trying other [similar] items I found cheaper items that were OK. If you've never tried or have this firm belief that the pricier item you regularly buy is better, try substituting and if like it you'll be well on your way to saving some money for a really long time.
These days all companies are so competitive and there are more substitutions available than before. I do look for them when I am out, but not actively, only if I happen to see them. It does also depend on the difference in price and content, but generally if it's not too expensive I will try them. I did this with some facial wipes, three packs of 25 for a pound, versus two packs of 30 for a pound. They were as good and as you use them for a couple of minutes, it wasn't so much of a risk.
Sure, I do this all the time. Very seldom do I stick strictly to what a recipe recommends, because they usually go for name brands that are too expensive. I'm just as happy using some no-name brand ingredient in place of the alternative. The same goes for generic ingredients - if I don't have baking powder, for example (which often seems to be the case), I find that baking soda in lower amounts and with a hint of water does just about the same thing for a recipe. So long as you have a decent stash of ingredients, there always seems to be a way around missing one or two things.
As quality and value for money are always my priorities when buying anything and this is something I already do - I would definitely agree that on the whole - buying substitutes - such as store brand products instead of the more well known brands - does generally save a considerable amount of money - particularly as there are many non brand products that are way cheaper - but just as good if not better than some of the well known brands. However although I don't actively search them out and there are some items which I would never substitute - I do think it wise to try the smallest possible version when considering switching. Especially as - buying cheaper or no name brands can sometimes be false economy and particularly when it comes to some groceries and everyday household products - as apart from the fact that you may not like the flavor - its not at all unusual to have to use more of a non brand product in order to get the same results - which of course means that its way more cost effective to stick with a branded product - as although initially a little more expensive they generally workout more economical in the long run - as they don't need replacing as often - because you use less.
yes, especially if you are making a recipe for instance that might call for certain name brand products, I will use the generic. There is no reason to enrich the corporations that are already making money hand over fist in my opinion. I also read labels and if they generic is very close to what the name brand offers I will certainly buy it. No matter what it is.
I will sometimes substitute generic for brand names. I do this more with food items. I will do this with mustard, ketchup, and relish etc. I don't mind generic canned vegetables either. I will also do this with household cleaners too, like bleach I'll buy the generic. I don't find any difference. But when it comes to certain things like laundry detergent or facial cleaner I prefer to stick to my name brand because I find they do a superior job.
