What should you buy generic?

[jeffrey]

For those that don't use coupons and a priceguide, generic will usually be cheaper than brand name. What things do you think should always be purchased generic and what things do you always buy brand name (and why)?

[tabbycat31]

I buy generic OTC drugs (I'm not on any perscriptions, but if I was, I would ask the dr for generic). Cleaning products are another one I buy the generics for. And I am sure there are many more that I can't think of

Many of my non perishable groceries are generic......... ie rice, cereal, canned goods, frozen veggies, etc. They're just as good.

I will only stop buying generic if I see a noticable difference between the generic and name brand. Years ago, I used Pantene shampoo/conditioner religiously. I tried the WalMart brand it was awful. Now I use Bath and Body works hair products (they're not tested on animals like Pantene is)

[poundwise]

There are a lot of generic/store brand items that I prefer, not only on basis of price, but of quality as well. However, to keep this answer brief, I would say that biggest area of savings would be with OTC meds and other items in that department. The generic/store brands are usually less than half of the branded counterparts and often have greater quantity on top of the price savings.

[PrincessPerky]

frozen veggies...they have to be food lion brand (store brand is generic around here) not a different store brand, and never a name brand...cause no one eats name brand veggies in the house, no idea why but there you have it.

And we only found that out by repeatedly looking for the cheapest veggie and discovering that the only ones we like are food lion brand.

I figure all generics are like that, you gotta try it to find out. some staples are no big, but if you are a rice connoisseur and need white long grain jasmine..that doesn't come store brand! on the other hand brown does.

You might think it hard to ruin flour, or sugar and with white you are right, but with whole wheat, the way it is ground makes a big difference in how it bakes...so exercise caution, try new things, and be open to change.

And like Tabby mentioned the practices of the company might mean more than the price to you, so do some research if you can afford to find out.

[mom-from-missouri]

I buy almost everything generic, except DH has to have Heinz catsup. But the castup for the kids is generic. (I make our own catsup which he will eat, but when we are out of it, it has to be Heinz)
If we have a cold, it has to be puffs plus. I really can feel a difference on the nose with the better kleenex

[Ima saver]

I buy the store brand alumimum foil, I can see no difference. i also buy generic otc medicine also. I check the labels and if the ingredients are the same, I buy generic. However, I have probably paid less than $10 for otc medicine in the past 10 years.

[mom-from-missouri]

I am surprised how many people refuse to get generic medications. However, they have to pass the same FDA requirements as the brand name. Often, they are even made by the same company.