6 Generic Grocery Staples Food Editors Rely On for Big Savings
Shopping smart means making savvy decisions at the supermarket. With food prices on the rise, it’s essential to stretch your dollar without sacrificing quality. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food costs surged by 2.6% between February 2024 and February 2025, and rising tariffs could further inflate grocery bills. But worry not! There’s a simple way to save money while still stocking your pantry with quality products: go generic.
Why Choose Generic?
Opting for store-brand products can significantly reduce your grocery bill. Many food editors and registered dietitians at EatingWell suggest that choosing generic options doesn’t mean compromising on quality. In fact, the savings can add up remarkably! To guide you through this cost-saving journey, I teamed up with my colleagues to uncover the time-tested products they always buy in their generic forms. Let’s dive into the grocery cart of savings!
Canned Beans
Canned beans are not only a nutritious power-packed option for plant-based meals but also a budget-friendly pantry staple. Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, and EatingWell’s nutrition editor, always opts for the generic version. "There’s virtually no difference between store-brand and name-brand cans," she says. Plus, they often go on sale, making them an even better deal! Use canned beans to create hearty burrito bowls, protein-rich salads, or delicious soups.
Estimated savings: $0.50 ($0.89 for store-brand canned black beans vs. $1.39 for name-brand)
Cereal
The cereal aisle can be overwhelming, filled with a multitude of colorful, branded boxes. However, EatingWell editor Leah Goggins has learned to look past the packaging. "I routinely go for the generic options—whether it’s steel-cut oats or something a bit sweeter. They usually taste just as good!" The price difference is often substantial, leading to potential savings without any sacrifice in quality.
Total savings: $1.14 ($2.65 for store-brand toasted oat cereal vs. $3.79 for name-brand)
Lactose-Free Milk
If you’re lactose intolerant, navigating dairy options can be pricey. But fear not! Danielle DeAngelis, a fellow at EatingWell, finds tremendous value in generic lactose-free milk. “Sometimes, the store brand even tastes better!” she says. This is a great way to save while enjoying the milk you love.
Total savings: $1.50 ($3.49 for store-brand lactose-free milk vs. $4.99 for name-brand)
Yogurt
In the world of dairy, yogurt is a versatile ingredient perfect for smoothies, dips, and snacks. While some people may swear by their favorite name-brand yogurt, many like me have found that the store-brand options work just as well. I typically add yogurt to my morning smoothie for creaminess and protein, often masking any taste differences, making the cheaper choice an easy decision.
Total savings: $1.90 ($3.69 for store-brand vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt vs. $5.59 for name-brand)
Pasta
For many, pasta is the ultimate comfort food. EatingWell associate editorial director Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD, endorses the store-brand versions, declaring, "It all tastes the same to me!" While the price gap between brand-name and generic isn’t enormous, every penny saved helps when it comes to balancing the budget for high-quality ingredients that she stands by.
Total savings: $1.30 ($1.49 for store-brand elbow macaroni vs. $2.79 for name-brand)
Frozen Fruits & Vegetables
Frozen fruits and vegetables pack a nutritional punch while offering incredible convenience. Whether for smoothies or stir-fries, buying generic versions is a win-win. They are flash-frozen at peak freshness, locking in nutrients that rival their fresh counterparts. Our editors, including Ball and DeAngelis, always reach for the store brand in the frozen food aisle.
Total savings for frozen fruit: $5.10 ($8.19 for store-brand frozen blueberries vs. $13.29 for name-brand)
Total savings for frozen vegetables: $0.30 ($0.99 for store-brand frozen broccoli vs. $1.29 for name-brand)
The Bottom Line
While the price differences between name-brand products and their generic counterparts may not always be massive, choosing generic options for these staples can help cushion your weekly grocery bill, especially as we face ongoing inflation. The next time you hit the supermarket, keep these recommendations in mind and opt for the store-brand versions that our editors have come to rely on. Remember, every penny counts, and choosing wisely can lead to delicious savings!
Embrace the savvy shopper within you—a generic brand might just become your new favorite!
