6 Winners in the Generic vs. Name-Brand Competition

What do you associate with the word “generic?” Do the words “inferior” or “tastes like cardboard” come to mind? Or do you, like many people, associate name-brands with people who are well-to-do, while people in poverty opt for generics?

All of that is complete nonsense, but it is a commonly held attitude. The truth is that generics are often a great buy because the quality of the product is precisely equal or sometimes even better than the name brand counterpart. Here are six winners:

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Medication

If you are buying name brands like Advil, Tylenol, Bayer Aspirin, Prilosec, Zyrtec, Claritin, and Sudafed, you are wasting your money. You are paying up to three times as much as that medication’s generic version.

By law

 

All medications sold in the U.S—both over-the-counter and prescription—must be precisely the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as their brand-name counterpart. Generic drugs are safe, efficacious, and FDA-approved. Gary Buehler, M.D., director of the FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs, states, “People can use them with total confidence.” I am shocked to learn Americans waste about $32 billion a year buying name-brand pills over the counter where generic alternatives are readily available.

Pantry staples

Government regulations require the same manufacturing and storage procedures for all staples, such as flour, sugar, eggs, milk, salt, and so forth, regardless of brand. Buying the generic brand is just as safe and tastes the same because it is the same as the brand name.

Buying generic is almost always cheaper except for those rare occasions when the brand name is on sale (get ready for deep discounts on brand name baking supplies starting very soon!) for less than its generic counterpart.

Infant formula

The FDA strictly regulates and requires the same nutrients in all infant formula. This means your baby will get the same benefits from the name brand as the much less expensive generic option. Generic formulas have to follow the same manufacturing and safety guidelines, too, so there’s no added risk. You really can be confident in generic infant formula.

• MORE: When it Comes to Food Products—What’s in a Date?

 

Breakfast cereal

You really can stop paying $4 a box for cereal because excellent generic options are typically 30 percent cheaper.

In several blind test studies, kids who were given brand names and generic cereals could not tell a difference. If your kids are picky about their favorite cereal, try combining the name and generic brands in a plastic container so they don’t see the packaging. Gradually move the mix to more and more generic, until they’ve made the switch.

 

Cleaning products

I cannot say that all generics can compete with their name-brand counterparts. But many generic cleaning products perform equally or even better. I have to agree with those who find that name-brand paper towels and window cleaner are usually worth the money.

Generic paper towels tend to be too thin and generic window cleaner often leaves streaks. However, off-brand scouring powders, disinfecting wipes, and bathroom cleaner are nearly always equal to or even better than the name-brand options.

• MORE: Once You Use Alvin Corn DIY Glass Cleaner You Will Never Look Back

Non-perishables

The generic options for things like pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, crackers, soda, and bottled water are equal in quality. Do not hesitate to try them; if you find something unacceptable, return that item(s) for a refund. That’s a satisfaction guarantee all supermarkets and grocery stores offer.

Here’s a good rule of thumb as you make the decision: The fewer ingredients you see in the list of ingredients, the more likely it is that the generic brand tastes just as good as the name brand.

National brand manufacturers spend a lot of money on advertising and attractive packaging to sell you a product that may not be better than the generic one. And in some cases, the generic and name-brand companies are the same.

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Question: Which generic brands do you find are equal to or perhaps even better than their branded counterpart? Share your findings in the comments are below.

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