Generic vs name brand

[leadfootlevi]

Usually with coupons, the name brands are equal to or less than generics so that's a no-brainer.

Are there generic items you prefer over the name-brand equivalent?

What items will you absolutely NOT go generic for?

For us, it's toilet paper. I don't care so much, but my DH is adamant about this. Also, if we are buying it, chocolate. I've not found a good off-brand of it.

 

[bookgirl]

Ketchup- Hunts or Heinz only

Soup- mostly only Campbells

Green Beans- generics seem to have more stems but I'm not hugely brand loyal to a particular name brand

Coke- generic sprite, orange, root beer all okay but no generic Coke

Most meat products- there are a few I will buy but not many

Kleenex

A-1 Sauce

Bread Sara Lee

I use a lot of generics. I figure I will almost always try the generic and if it's comparable, I switch. Where I am brand loyal it's almost always something specific, other than that I'd rather save the money.

 

[leadfootlevi]

I forgot about tissues. Kleenex with lotion.

 

[scrapquitler]

What items will you absolutely NOT go generic for?

I buy lots of generics.

I always buy generic laundry detergent, fabric softener, paper goods (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, etc) and I buy most cleaning products in generics as well.

Things I do NOT buy generics:
Heinz Ketchup, Hellmans Mayonaisse, Stove Top Stuffing, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Classico brand Spaghetti Sauce (when I buy jar sauce), Colgate Toothpaste.

I think that's mostly it.

 

[happygirl]

There aren't to many things I won;t buy that are generic. I prefer name brand soda. I won't buy generic female products

 

[Becc1]

I buy alot of generic grocery items but there are a few things that we can't go generic for. Ketchup, mayo, syrup, chocolate chip waffles for the kids (they only like Eggo) and my ds who takes the same lunch to school everyday will only eat the Smuckers Uncrustables (PB+J), we've tried the Sam's Club brand but I found out from a teacher that he wasn't eating them. I also only like Pepsi or Coke products, no store brand cola, like a PP said we'll get store brand orange, fruit puch, lemon-lime and root beer but the cola has to be brand name.

 

[IUTBAM]

I used to be a name brand salsa snob until I tried Walmart's Great Value brand salsa...tastes EXACTLY like Pace brand.

 

[msmama]

There aren't to many things I won;t buy that are generic. I prefer name brand soda. I won't buy generic female products

Very good advice that I learned the hard way, lol.

I think the best boxed brownie mixes are the generic kind (Safeway being my all time favorite).

I don't know if it's really "generic" but I love most of the Target Archer Farm's brand stuff.

 

[brergnat]

I won't buy or eat generic cereal. It's gross to me. Even simple stuff like "krispy rice" isn't the same when it's not the name brand.

I will also not buy generics of: toilet paper, paper towels, ketchup, mayonnaise, or any other specific sauces/condiments that I like the taste of the name brand. Soy Sauce comes to mind (gotta have Kikkoman's!).

Otherwise, I will use generics whenever they are cheaper. Medicines, especially!

 

[sherry7]

I'm not very brand loyal at all, especially with food products. There are just a few things I insist on having the name brand of:

*Secret or Dove Clinical antiperspirant for myself...but if a generic Clinical version ever comes out, I'll try it.
*Feminine products...doesn't matter if it's Always, Stayfree, Tampax, etc but the no-name brands just don't work well.
*Toilet paper...Charmin or Cottonelle.
*Kleenex or Puffs
*Diapers...with coupons, sales, or Amazon Mom, I can buy Pampers or Huggies for cheaper than generics.
*Baby wipes...I prefer Huggies Naturals, unless the other brands are free or nearly free with coupon.
*Bath soap...Safeguard.
*Shampoo...I like Paul Mitchell, but the DH and DS use whatever is on sale.
*California Baby Shampoo/Baby Wash...the cheap Johnson's stuff gives my baby girl a rash. It costs a bloody fortune though.
*California Naturals dry cat food...one of my cats is allergic to nearly everything else.

I used to be loyal to Heinz ketchup, until I tried the Save-a-Lot ketchup. It's EXACTLY the same...we actually did a blind taste test, LOL. Ditto on Hellmann's mayo and the Aldi's mayo.

 

[CoP Luv]

I used to be a big fan of generics until I started reading labels. I really depends on what it is, but I WILL NOT buy generic Cheerios, chocolate chips (some generics do even have chocolate in it! ), toliet paper, shampoo/conditioner or other hair products (except Whole Foods brand), and probably a few other things out there.

We had to start reading labels on every food item that was bought for a health reason, and by habit, I just started to read labels on everything else like laundry detergent, hair products, hand soap, etc. You would be surprised what you find in name brand products that are very harmful.

 

[bettyann29]

The main things that I can think of off the top of my head is cheese.. I HAVE to use Kraft and of course toilet paper..