Brand name items

[JanH]

I know that in a lot of cases, I go with generic, store brand items. But there are just some things that I have to stick with the brand name. One thing for me is toilet paper. I have to stick with my brand for my comfort. What is your item that you have to have the brand name.

[pearlieq]

Re: Brand name items

Heinz is non-negiotiable.

Other than that, I'm willing to try a store brand on just about anything. Many things I buy don't have a generic equivalent, but I would be willing to try a store brand if one were available.

[JanH]

Re: Brand name items

Heinz is the brand my Hubby won't negotiate on either!

[jodi]

Re: Brand name items

I gotta have my Charmin. I also like Colgate - I have tried some really bad off brand toothpastes - ick. Tissues have to be name brand, but not any specific brand (I just think the generics are too scratchy). Other than that, I'm pretty open to experimentation.

[JanH]

Re: Brand name items

Yep. Charmin it is for me.

[greedy4chips]

Re: Brand name items

I...Other than that, I'm pretty open to experimentation.

I like you and your carefree attitude!

Diet Coke, Campbells, Welchs, Tombstone, Heinz, Crest, Charmin, Prego, Miracle Whip, etc. Basically nothing generic or store brands for me! I know they are cheaper, but honestly name 1 thing other than pasta that you buy generics or storebrands that tastes as good or better than the nationally recognized brands.

I would never eat generic pasta plain either...smother mine in Prego, meatballs, and parmesan cheese thank you very much!

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Brand name items

Heinz Ketchup, Guldens Mustard, and Hellmans Mayo are items I don't compromise on. Everything else can be generic.

[tgavin71]

Re: Brand name items

I'll try just about anything and then make up my mind. If the generic is passable then that's what I have. I shop at Aldi and find 90% of the items to be of high quality. The only time I buy brand name items is when I need the item for a competition.

[pearlieq]

Re: Brand name items

but honestly name 1 thing other than pasta that you buy generics or storebrands that tastes as good or better than the nationally recognized brands.

I don't know whereabouts in Wisconsin you are, but do you have Jewel (Albertson's company) grocery stores around you? Their private label, President's Choice, is superlative! It's usually BETTER than name brand! Standouts include their chocolate chip cookies, macaroni & cheese, and canned vegetables.

We've had really good luck with store brands. Almost all we've tried have been as good or better than brand name.

I've never had a bum product from Aldi. A great deal of Aldi products actually ARE name-brand products, just packed for Aldi. Ever notice how the bakery goods look exactly like Entenmanns? The cereals and canned good are often run on the same lines as brand products. They literally will run the brand products Mon - Thurs and then run PL on Friday. I got this info from my old boss who used to be an exec at Aldi, and my DH was able to confirm it when he took a job with a food distributor.

The only real duds so for have been from a PL brand called Shurfine. I've had a lot of quality issues with those and won't be buying them again.

[Crystallas]

Re: Brand name items

Big companies also create their own generics to compete on the low end. Usually selling the same exact products as the Mother brand, but with little marketting involved to bring down prices and keep them from losing profit from consumers that buy strictly generics.

Big companies try to keep this under wraps. But its also a very good way to save a buck if you know what products you like can be found for a discount.

I only know of a few self-made generics, but I would like to know more.

[greedy4chips]

Re: Brand name items

I don't know whereabouts in Wisconsin you are, but do you have Jewel (Albertson's company) grocery stores around you?

No Jewel stores around Central Wisconsin.

I honesty have to shop at Aldi's just one time. It is not near a part of town we usually go to so we just never headed over there to see what they have.

I see a road trip coming up! (very short)

[LuxLiving]

Re: Brand name items

Must haves are Krafts REAL American Cheese slices, Pepsi and Hellman's Mayo!

What is this nasty plastic cheese wrapped in more plastic, Coke & Miracle Whip of which you speak?? Gag me!!

~~LLFrugalis
Yes, I AM trying to start a range-war!!

[disneysteve]

Re: Brand name items

I know they are cheaper, but honestly name 1 thing other than pasta that you buy generics or storebrands that tastes as good or better than the nationally recognized brands.

How long of a list would you like?

I have found Shop Rite and especially Wegman's to have consistently good store brands. There are even some items that we prefer the store brand.

My wife will only buy Shop Rite pretzels. No Reisman or Rold Gold or any other national brand. She also won't buy any other store brand. Has to be Shop Rite.

I think Wegman's yogurt is as good as Dannon or Yoplait. It is actually the same price as Yoplait but I still buy the Wegman's brand, so cost isn't an issue.

We also buy Wegman's pita bread, orange juice, breakfast cereals and many other items.

I also prefer Wegman's version of Chex Mix, mainly because it has about 20% less sodium than the brand name. The brand is just too salty for me.

There are plenty of others, but those were the main ones that came to mind.

[geojen]

Re: Brand name items

I have to have Heinz ketchup for sure. I also have to have Orville Reddenbacher's popcorn--nothing else pops as nice! Other than that, I am willing to experiment as long as store brands also have healthy choices.

[disneysteve]

Re: Brand name items

Another store brand item we use is dryer sheets. We've never been able to tell the difference (except in price). We also use the dollar store brand of shower cleaner spray and it works just fine. We used to use the brand name and when we switched, the shower stayed just as clean.