Generic/Store Brand vs Name Brand

[AdamH1978]

For most of my grocery and household cleaning items I choose the generic and/or store brand over the more expensive name brand items.  I save the most money on cereal by getting the huge bags of Malt-o-meal cereal at Walmart that is cheaper than the much smaller name brand boxed cereal.  I can't tell a difference in taste and neither can my family, we've put it to the test and they are ubiquitous.  Spaghetti sauce and toilet paper are two items that come to mind that I always buy the name brand as I can tell the more expensive item is superior.  Are you a brand stickler or do you go generic?   

[cloudsoup]

i'm about the same as you! some specific items
(just like spaghetti sauce) i prefer brand names,
but i'm totally fine with generic stuff mixed in too.
i'd say my groceries come out as a 60/40 ratio.
60 being generic or a lesser expensive option.

i like when there's a third option! the "middle" guy.
decent quality, better than generic but cheaper
than brand :p

[lynnc35]

I get whatever is on sale, or have coupon for

[dodgers16]

   for most products I think the Generic/Store Brand is just as good as the Name Brand!!! but there are some items where the name brand is way better

[d1cheetah]

I buy store brand if it is as healthy as the other brands I am comparing it with..  Example,... buying walmart store brand of splenda to save a buck or two.   

[LaTashaS28]

To me name brand is way better than the Generic/Store Brand because you have some store brands that just do not taste like the real thing. It is ok sometimes to use the store brand, but I don't use it that often.

[hicaniplay]

I use sales more than coupons.
I know, but it's easier to just follow the flow that the stores want me to take than stress over coupons. I'd be more inclined to use them for things other than foodstuffs, anyways.

So, to the question:
Name and store brands were I can - one example of not never-ever would be COFFEE. I mean, I don't drink Starbucks or anything outrageous, it's all Maxwell or Folgers. Tried store and it was such gross, undrinkable garbage. Maybe I just got used to the taste of better (bought like a year's supply in one go Great deal!) or I just grabbed a bad can, but never again.

For clothes and stuff, yard sales! OK, and a few splurges here and there at Dollar Store, JC Penny's, and Wal-Mart They have some good sales sometimes! I'm not interested in labels here.
For cleaners, eh, I'll try less name brands and store, when in a pinch, but generally wait till the good name brands go on sale.
Tools depends - for me mainly the cheapest for hammers etc, name brand for quality for the more expensive equipment, and then generally and mainly borrowed from my brothers
Medicines, almost all generic when not doctor prescribed. Also, I'm inclined to try internet-searched for remedies.

For Name brand, I also troll the discount stores.
Sometimes hit and miss, and obviously not a steady supply, but it's generally worth the savings to try something out. And you can find some really amazing deals there, mainly if you buy bulk true, but depending on the store, we pick up a lot of frozen, breadstuff, and some canned foods from them.
Also, sometimes you have to assume it's past it's due date or been handled poorly, but with most things "due dates" are suggestions with very little actual fact behind them. And dented cans are generally fine, so long as there's no rust and you're not planning on storing them for too long a period. When in doubt, buy the smallest amount, try it out, and come back for more later if it's to your taste.

Also Aldi's is a monthly or bi-monthly trip. Store brand mainly, but good quality. Generally the cheapest place for milk and fruits, but unfortunately in another town. Still worth it to go and stock up in bulk on canned goods etc without being looked at funny. If you're a lucky duck and have one, they might even sell alcohol there!

[inertia4]

Well, most generic brands or store brands are basically made by the same companies as the real ones are. So, buying generic is a good way to save money unless the name brand is on sale and is cheaper then the generic. I see nothing wrong with that.

[CHANEYLAKEGIRL]

For most things, I will choose generic over brand name when available. I'm cheap like that. 

[kingreyam24]

I buy generic things that don't affect the taste, like flour, sugar, butter....things like that. I tried buying generic canned vegetables and they were not good at all, so I stick with brand name on stuff like that.

[ajann1983]

i guess i'm about 50/50. if i'm tight on money i will usually choose the cheaper brand but since i've been doing couponing, i have been able to still get name brand items  cheaper than the store brands.

[pfrancis001]

i buy more of the store brand,  i get allegic reaction to Name brand like detergent and make up.

[Sunshine4372]

With toilet paper and paper towels, I am definitely a brand name.  I do, however, buy lots of store brand stuff such as pasta, rice, canned vegetables, and yogurt.  Most OTC medications I also use.  They have the same exact ingredients as the major brand, so why not save a few dollars.

[loulizlee]

I totally agree with the answers so far.  You may have to do some trial and error on some items, but generic items are usually just and good as brand names and much cheaper.  I especially agree with buying generic detergents.  I am allergic to so many of the additives in some of the detergents, so the cheaper the better.  I sneeze just walking down the detergent and dryer sheets aisles.

[ladycasshmere]

I like to purchase the generic brands of food over name brands. I shop aldi and walmart for their store brands. There are only a few things i buy that must be name brand like deodorant, toothpaste,body wash, etc