Store Brands VS. National Brands

[azsnowman]

I know I've done this before but let's do it again, seeings how I've changed my tune a little bit!

When grocery shopping, do you buy store brands/generics or the National name brands? I USED to buy a lot of store brands, still do on CERTAIN products, paper goods etc, but I've switched BACK to name brands on canned goods and condiments, ESPECIALLY ketchup...I'm a HEINZ man ALL the way, I bought a WALMART brand ketchup a few weeks back, talk about NASTY and I also used to buy WALMARTS brand of salad dressing (Miracle Whip) and now, it's STRICTLY Miracle Whip....it seems WALMART has changed suppliers and have *cheapened* their quality on some stuff, "No Dennis......WALMART WOULDN'T DO A THING LIKE THAT, WOULD THEY?"

Dennis

[coriolis]

I pick and choose a lot. It really depends on the product. I'll buy the store brand if it is close in quality. For one thing, store brand cleaning supplies and personal care products are definitely inferior. But things like canned goods, condiments, etc, store brands are fine. I buy store brand cereal, which isn't as good, but at half the price, I still get it. There are often national brands at the nearby dollar store which discounts the products. They also take coupons, so once in a while, I get a real steal on stuff. With 4 hungry kids, our food/paper products/cleaning supplies/personal care products/pet budget is $800 a month, so I try to save wherever possible.

[Josephine96]

I do my shopping at Albertsons.. and it depends on what's on sale.. If the name brand is on sale and the store brand is not.. or vice versa..

[Pburgh]

Dennis, I'm with you!! When it comes to condiments I buy all name brands. Heinz is still the best of any ketchup. I can't stand the taste of any other. (Even though Kerry's wife owns 1% of the company)lol

Ed, I buy the store brand for most canned goods. I think I save money buying Bounty paper towels - they really do absorb more. On another subject, my "bum" loves the Charmin products!!!! (Much less abrasive - if ya know what I mean)

[Aslkahuna]

Well, we don't have a Super Wally World here in Sorry Vista so I wouldn't know about their house brands (I never use Catsup BTW after seeing how it was made at a Cannery many, many years ago). We have Safeway, Frys and Food City and I buy a mix of house and National Brands depending upon what I buy. However, when it comes to canned fruit and pickles-I make my own.

Steve

[W13]

I usually stick with the Name Brands for food, but for stuff such as Paper Towels, Napkins and all that I go for the store brand. You save more money that way.

[Josephine96]

My opinion is this.. name brands and store brands just about taste the same.. Only real difference is cost..

[streetsoldier]

"Store" brads are usually OK, except for Aldi's; NEVER buy a generic brand of food there, if you value your life!