Many shoppers reach for the familiar name out of loyalty or habit, without ever trying the store's own version. In many categories, store brands are made to similar standards and can cost noticeably less, especially for basics like flour, sugar, canned vegetables, frozen produce and cleaning supplies.

A good way to test this is to swap one or two items each trip. If you can't tell the difference, keep buying the cheaper version. If you truly prefer the original, go back to it. Over time you'll build a mental list of where store brands work for you and where they don't.

Pay attention to ingredient lists and nutrition labels as you compare, since those tell you more than the packaging does. For medications or specialty dietary needs, check with a pharmacist or your doctor before switching products. For everyday staples, though, giving store brands a fair try is one of the simplest ways to trim a grocery bill.