With three kids playing various sports over the years, I’ve become well acquainted with the aisles of my local Dick’s Sporting Goods. I’ve also discovered that just walking into Dick’s and buying the first thing you see can be VERY expensive….but it DOES NOT have to be. Here are a couple dozen smart strategies to help you maximize your savings.

1. Make a Return and Score a GREAT Coupon

When you make a return at Dick’s you’ll often get a $20 off $100 coupon attached to your return receipt.

The rub is that the coupon is only good for 3 hours and can’t be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Dick’s is basically saying, “Hey, sorry you didn’t like it, so here’s a nice coupon that you can USE RIGHT NOW on something you might like better.”

PRO TIP

If you want to buy buying something at Dick’s with a price over $100, just buy and return anything and try to trigger this $20 coupon. Easy money.

2. Sign Up for the ScoreCard Loyalty Program

One of the best ways to save money at Dick’s Sporting Goods is by signing up for their ScoreCard loyalty program.

It’s free to join and as a member, you earn one point for every dollar spent.

Once you accumulate 300 points, you receive a $10 reward to spend in-store or online.

ScoreCard members also receive exclusive coupons and access to special sales events.

3. Check Out the Weekly Ads

Dick’s Sporting Goods releases weekly ads that highlight current sales and special promotions.

These ads often include significant discounts on a wide range of products, and many shoppers have NO idea they exist.

Checking these ads before you shop can help you plan your purchases around the best deals.

See Also: We Make Sense of the Dick’s Return Policy

4. Take Advantage of Price Matching

Dick’s Sporting Goods offers a best price guarantee.

If you find a lower price on an identical item at a qualifying retailer, Dick’s will match it.

This includes matching prices from select online retailers. Be sure to bring proof of the lower price when shopping in-store, or contact customer service if shopping online.

5. Shop During Clearance Events

Clearance events at Dick’s can offer deep discounts on merchandise that is being phased out.

These sales typically occur at the end of a season, as the store clears out old stock to make room for new arrivals.

This is an excellent time to pick up sporting goods and apparel at a fraction of the original price.

6. Abandon Cart to Trigger Coupon

Dick’s is one of the retailers that will email you a coupon to complete your online order if you leave items in your cart and don’t complete the purchase.

The screenshot above is a 10% coupon they sent me to try and entice me to come back and finalize my purchase.

While not worth it on small purchases, it’s a clever way to save some extra money on an expensive item.

7. Browse Online Exclusive Deals

The Dick’s Sporting Goods website often has online exclusive deals that are not available in stores.

These can include discounts on specific products, as well as broader promotions such as percentage discounts across many items.

Shopping online can also offer additional sizes and colors that might not be available in-store.

8. Use Coupons and Promo Codes

While this seems very obvious, I often forgot to look for a coupon back when my kids were playing little league and they needed a new glove or bat.

So before completing any purchase at Dick’s Sporting Goods, be sure to search for coupons.

You can often find these through the Dick’s Sporting Goods website, email newsletters, or coupon websites.

BE AWARE OF EXCLUSIONS

Unfortunately, the list of brand exclusions at Dick’s when it comes to using coupons continues to grow. Before long, the list of brands that you CAN use a coupon on will be shorter than their list of excluded brands.

9. Follow Social Media Accounts

Following Dick’s Sporting Goods on social media platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram can keep you informed about flash sales, special events, and exclusive coupons.

Social media platforms may also host contests or giveaways where you can win free merchandise.

10. Consider the Dick’s Sporting Goods Credit Card

If you shop frequently at Dick’s Sporting Goods, consider applying for their branded credit card.

You’ll score a $30 instant bonus reward, $10 reward for every $150 spent, earn 2x points on every purchase, special financing options, and no annual fee.

PRO TIP

Be sure to consider the card’s terms and APR. If you can’t pay this bad boy off every month you’re probably better off using your regular credit card as the interest rate on this card hovers around 30%.

11. Buy Discounted Gift Cards

You can often find Dick’s Sporting Goods gift cards at a discount through various online marketplaces.

Purchasing these gift cards for less than their face value can save you money before you even walk into the store or shop online.

12. Join Mailing Lists for Exclusive Offers

Subscribing to the Dick’s Sporting Goods mailing list can provide you with exclusive offers sent directly to your inbox.

These may include unique promotional codes, early access to sales, and alerts on new product launches.

13. Shop During Back-to-School and Holiday Sales

Dick’s Sporting Goods typically offers significant discounts during back-to-school seasons and major holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Planning your purchases around late-November deals can lead to significant savings.

14. Explore the Last Chance Section

Dick’s Sporting Goods has a Last Chance clearance on their website where you can find heavily discounted items up to 75% off.

These are often last season’s models or overstock items that are priced to move quickly.

The outlet can offer some of the deepest discounts available, making it a great place to check first for deals.

15. Use the Mobile App for Exclusive Discounts

Downloading the Dick’s Sporting Goods mobile app can give you access to app-exclusive discounts and notifications about sales.

Sometimes, the app offers special “flash” discounts that are only available for a short period or while supplies last.

16. Attend Grand Opening Events

If a new Dick’s Sporting Goods store opens in your area, attending the grand opening can be beneficial.

These events often come with special promotions, giveaways, and one-time discounts as part of the celebration.

17. Trade-In Old Gear

Dick’s sometimes offers a trade-in program for used sports equipment like golf clubs and hiking gear.

This program allows you to bring in old gear and receive a discount on new purchases.

It’s a great way to save money and recycle equipment you no longer use.

18. Look for Rebates

Some items at Dick’s Sporting Goods come with manufacturer rebates.

These rebates can offer cash back or future discounts on products, adding another layer of savings.

Always check the product details for rebate offers and follow the instructions carefully to claim your rebate.

19. Buy During Off-Peak Seasons

Shopping for seasonal items during off-peak times can lead to significant savings.

For example, purchase ski equipment in the summer or baseball gear in the winter.

Retailers often discount seasonal items in the off-season to clear space for upcoming products.

20. Consider Lesser-Known Brands

While top brands often command higher prices, Dick’s Sporting Goods also stocks lesser-known brands that offer similar quality at a lower price point.

These brands can provide excellent value for your money, especially when just starting out in a new sport or activity.

21. Subscribe to SMS Alerts

In addition to email alerts, you can subscribe to receive SMS notifications from Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Text alerts often include instant notifications about sales and exclusive SMS-only offers.

22. Purchase Multipacks

For items you use regularly, such as golf balls, tennis balls, or socks, buying them in multipacks can be more economical than purchasing them individually.

Dick’s often offers bulk buying options that reduce the cost per item.

23. Monitor End-of-Year Sales

The end of the year can bring significant markdowns as stores prepare for new inventory.

This is an excellent time to scout for deals on high-ticket items like treadmills, outdoor gear, and team sports equipment.

24. Take Advantage of Free In-Store Services

Some locations of Dick’s Sporting Goods offer free services that can save you money.

For instance, they might offer free bike adjustments, lacrosse head stringing, or golf club fittings with a purchase.

These complimentary services add value to your purchase and can save you from having to pay for these services separately.

25. Ask for a Price Adjustment

If you purchase an item at Dick’s Sporting Goods and then find that it has gone on sale shortly afterward, you can ask for a price adjustment.

Dick’s usually honors price adjustments within a specific timeframe after your purchase, typically around 14 days.

Keep your receipt and monitor prices after you buy to take advantage of this policy.

26. Shop the “Best Price Guarantee” Items

Dick’s Sporting Goods often marks certain products with a “Best Price Guarantee” label.

For these items, Dick’s promises not only to match competitors’ prices but also to offer the best deal available.

Shopping items under this guarantee can provide peace of mind that you are getting the lowest price without needing to shop around extensively.

27. Plan Purchases Around Major Sporting Events

Dick’s Sporting Goods often runs promotions and sales tied to major sports events, like the Super Bowl, World Series, or the Olympics.

These events are a great opportunity to find special discounts on related sports gear and apparel.

Planning your purchases to coincide with these events can yield excellent savings.

28. Look for Bundle Deals

Sometimes, buying more can save more.

Look for bundle deals where you can buy a combination of items at a reduced price compared to purchasing them separately.

This is often seen with workout gear, outdoor equipment, or team sports items like soccer balls and cones.

29. Use the Store’s Layout to Your Advantage

One of the tricks that retailers use to take more of your money is to place more expensive items at eye-level or in high-traffic areas of the store.

Don’t forget to look at lower shelves or less prominent areas where better deals might be hidden.

This is especially true in large stores where premium products are prominently displayed to attract more attention.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money at Dick’s? Please leave a comment and let me know what savings tips I may have missed and I’ll add them to my article.

By Kyle James

As I’ve talked about before, getting in the habit of shopping store brands vs. the more expensive name brand is a smart and easy way to lower your grocery bill. This seems like even more obvious advice when you discover that many of the store brands are actually made by the more expensive name brand then simply repackaged. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here are several dozen actual name brand companies behind these store brands “generics”.

Kirkland Signature (Costco)

– Kirkland Dog Food: Made by Diamond Pet Foods, the same company that makes Taste of the Wild, Diamond Naturals, and Nutra-Gold.

– Kirkland Signature Vodka: Despite the claims, it’s not produced by Grey Goose, but instead by Gayant Distillery of France.

– Kirkland Signature Batteries: Manufactured by Duracell.

– Kirkland Signature Craft Beer: Made by Gordon Biersch. I love Gordon Biersch beer, and guess what, I love Kirkland craft beer too.

– Kirkland Signature Premium Small Batch Bourbon: This is made by Buffalo Trace. From Insider Louisville, “Kirkland is from Buffalo Trace and tastes like Jim Beam — a little bit, anyway.”

– Kirkland Scotch: Made by Macallan 18. Buy Kirkland as it’s a great way to save on a quality Scotch.

– Kirkland Tuna: Turns out it’s made by none other than Bumblebee Tuna.

– Kirkland Diapers: These are made by Kimberly-Clark, the same outfit that makes all Huggies products.

PRO TIP

Take a look at the “Factory Code” on a box of Huggies and a box of Kirkland diapers, they’re identical. By trying to match these numbers, you can often play detective and figure out where Kirkland products are manufactured.

– Kirkland Laundry Detergent: It’s made by a company called Henkel which makes the higher end brands All and Persil.

– Kirkland Canned Chicken Breast: This originally was made by Bumble Bee, but is now made by Costco in their Fremont, Nebraska chicken facility.

– Kirkland Signature Golf Balls: Made by Nassau Golf, a leading sports equipment manufacturer, which was bought by TaylorMade back in 2021.

See Also: Stores Famous for Slashing Prices Near “Best-By” Dates

Great Value (Walmart)

– Great Value Canned Vegetables: Sourced from various suppliers including Del Monte, Green Giant, and Libby’s.

– Great Value Bottled Water: Sourced from multiple bottling companies, including Niagara Bottling.

365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods Market)

– 365 Everyday Value Pasta Sauces: Produced by multiple suppliers, including Victoria Fine Foods and Silver Palate.

– 365 Everyday Value Snacks: Sourced from various health food companies, including Late July and Nature’s Path.

ALDI

– Millville Cinnamon Crunch Squares: Made by General Mills who also makes Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

– Tuscan Garden Restaurant-Style Italian Dressing: Rumor has it that it’s made by the same manufacturer as the Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing.

Trader Joe’s

– Trader Joe’s Gourmet Cheeses: Made by various cheese producers, some undisclosed.

– Trader Joe’s Frozen Meals: Produced by multiple manufacturers, including Amy’s Kitchen and Conagra Brands.

– Trader Joe’s Hummus: This is made by Bakkavor Foods who is known for their award winning hummus in the UK.

– Trader Joe’s Pita Chips: These popular chips are made by the leading brand Stacy’s and repacked for TJs and sold at a discount.

– Trader Joe’s Pistachios: These are made by the Wonderful Pistachios company.

RUMOR-VILLE

I have a good friend who swears that Trader Joe’s skin care products are made by Aveda. In particular, she said the skin cream smell and feels just like Aveda. But I haven’t been able to confirm this one. Does anyone know for sure? Please leave a comment below and give us all the 411. Thanks!

– Trader Joe’s Smoothies: These are made by the leading juice manufacturer Naked.

– Trader Joe’s Organic Yogurt: This is made by the popular name brand Stonyfield.

Amazon Basics

– Amazon Basics Electronics Accessories: Sourced from various name-brand manufacturers, often undisclosed.

– Amazon Basics Kitchenware: Produced by various suppliers, including Hamilton Beach and Fox Run.

Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club)

– Member’s Mark Bacon: Manufactured by multiple suppliers, including Smithfield Foods.

– Member’s Mark Paper Towels: Produced by various paper product companies, including Georgia-Pacific.

See Also: All The Top Brands That Make Member’s Mark Products for Sam’s

Publix Brand (Publix)

– Publix Brand Deli Meats: Made by various meat suppliers, including Boar’s Head and Hormel.

– Publix Brand Frozen Vegetables: Sourced from various frozen food manufacturers including Green Giant.

See Also: Guide to Getting Free Food at Restaurants (Month by Month)

President’s Choice (Loblaws)

– President’s Choice Cookies: Made by multiple cookie manufacturers, including Dare Foods and Voortman Cookies.

– President’s Choice Frozen Pizza: Produced by leading pizza company McCain Foods.

Signature Kitchens (Safeway)

– Signature Kitchens Bread: Made by various bakeries, including Bimbo Bakeries USA and Flowers Foods.

– O Organics Baby Formula: Produced by Perrigo Nutritionals.

– O Organics Olive Oil: Sourced from Pompeian and California Olive Ranch.

– Signature Select Ice Cream: Produced by various ice cream manufacturers, including Dean Foods and Wells Enterprises.

– Signature Select Pasta: Manufactured by Barilla.

Market Pantry (Target)

– Market Pantry Cereal: Sourced from various cereal companies, including General Mills and Kellogg’s.

– Market Pantry Peanut Butter: Manufactured by Algood Food Company.

– Market Pantry Frozen Vegetables: Produced by Simplot and Pictsweet.

CHECK OUT THE UPC CODE

Often times the first 5 or 6 digits on the UPC code will be the same for the store brand and the name brand. Put this tip in your “toolbox” as it’s another way to try and figure out who actually makes the product.

– Good & Gather Almond Milk: Produced by Blue Diamond Growers.

– Good & Gather Frozen Fruit: Sourced from Wawona Frozen Foods.

– Archer Farms Coffee: Roasted by multiple coffee companies, including Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group.

– Archer Farms Nuts: Sourced from various nut suppliers, including Diamond Foods.

– Up & Up Over-the-Counter Medications: Manufactured by Perrigo Company, a major pharmaceutical company.

– Up & Up Cleaning Supplies: Produced by various manufacturers, including Stepan Company and P&G.

– Simply Balanced Organic Pasta: Sourced from Dakota Growers Pasta Company.

– Simply Balanced Organic Granola Bars: Made by Annie’s Homegrown.

Signature Farms (Albertsons)

– Signature SELECT Sodas: Manufactured by Cott Beverages.

– Signature SELECT Frozen Pizza: Produced by Nestlé and Schwan’s Company.

See Also: How to Find Affordable Alternatives to Expensive Brands like West Elm and Jonathan Adler

Nature’s Promise (Giant Food)

– Nature’s Promise Organic Yogurt: Made by Stonyfield Organic.

– Nature’s Promise Organic Pasta: Sourced from Riviana Foods.

Private Selection (Kroger)

– Kroger Brand Cereal: Manufactured by General Mills and Kellogg’s.

– Kroger Brand Laundry Detergent: Produced by Sun Products Corporation and Church & Dwight.

– Kroger Brand Milk: Thanks to reader Lisa who let me know that the Kroger owned stores where she lives in Wisconsin is sourced from Kemp’s Dairy.

Meijer Brand (Meijer)

– Meijer Brand Bread: Made by Bimbo Bakeries USA and Sara Lee.

– Meijer Brand Frozen Meals: Produced by Conagra Brands and Nestlé.

Food Lion Brand (Food Lion)

– Food Lion Brand Coffee: Manufactured by Kraft Heinz and J.M. Smucker Company.

– Food Lion Brand Ice Cream: Produced by Wells Enterprises and Blue Bell Creameries.

I’d love to build this article even further and have it become a go-to resource for smart shoppers.

Please let me know in the comments if you know of any other store brands that are actually made by popular name brands.

Happy savings.

By Kyle James

When it comes to saving money on groceries and everyday items, one of the most common strategies is choosing store brands over name brands. Many shoppers are often skeptical about the quality of store brands, which are typically priced lower than their name-brand counterparts. However, significant savings can be realized without sacrificing quality. In this article, we’ll compare store brands and name brands across various categories and stores, providing specific examples to illustrate where you can save the most.

The perception that name brands are of higher quality is often a result of extensive marketing.

Cost Comparison Breakdown

Store brands are typically 15% to 30% cheaper than name brands. This price disparity primarily stems from the marketing and advertising costs that name brands spend, which are then passed on to the consumer.

So I thought it would be interesting to do some price comparisons on some popular grocery items to give you an idea of the savings store-brands can provide.

Health and Beauty

– Pain Relievers: CVS Health ibuprofen sells for $7 for a bottle of 100 tablets, while Advil sells its version for $9.49. Choosing CVS’s brand saves 26%.

– Shampoo: At Walgreens, their store brand shampoo costs $3.99 for a 12.5 oz bottle, while Pantene Pro-V shampoo of the same size is priced at $4.79, making the store brand 17% cheaper.

See Also: Hate Coupons? Smart Ways to Save Without Using Them

Breakfast Items

– Oatmeal: Quaker Oats sells their instant oatmeal at $3.67 for a 10-pack, while Aldi’s Millville brand offers a similar 10-pack for $1.59. Choosing Millville can save shoppers approximately 57%.

– Cereals: At Walmart, Great Value corn flakes are priced at $2.48 for an 18 oz box, while Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cost $3.98 for the same size. This represents a savings of about 38%.

– Yogurt: Chobani Greek Yogurt typically costs $1.19 per 5.3 oz cup. In contrast, Trader Joe’s store brand Greek yogurt sells for $0.99 for the same size, offering a savings of 17%.

CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION

Keep in mind that the lower price of store brands does not necessarily mean lower quality. Many store brands are actually manufactured in the same facilities as name brands, using similar or identical formulas. This is especially true with the Kirkland brand at Costco.

Baking Supplies

– Flour: A 5 lb bag of King Arthur Flour typically costs around $4.79. Compare this with Walmart’s Great Value brand, priced at $2.26 for the same quantity, providing about 53% in savings.

– Sugar: Domino Sugar, a popular name brand, sells its 4 lb bag for about $3.29, while Kroger’s store brand sugar costs just $2.19 for the same size bag, offering a 33% cost reduction.

Dairy Products

– Cheese: Kraft Cheddar Cheese (8 oz block) retails for approximately $2.69. ALDI’s Happy Farms cheddar cheese, also 8 oz, is priced at $1.89, saving customers 30%.

– Butter: A pound of Land O’Lakes butter typically costs $4.49. In contrast, Trader Joe’s store brand butter sells for $2.99 per pound, cutting the price by 33%.

– Milk: A gallon of Kroger brand milk costs around $2.59, compared to $3.49 for a gallon of Horizon Organic. Shopping Kroger’s own brand saves about 26%.

– Ice Cream: Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream (pint) retails for around $4.39. However, Safeway’s Signature Select vanilla ice cream, also a pint, is priced at $2.99, saving consumers approximately 32%.

Condiments

– Ketchup: Heinz Ketchup (20 oz bottle) is priced at around $2.59. Walmart’s Great Value ketchup of the same size costs $1.00, presenting a 61% saving.

– Mayonnaise: Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise (30 oz) is generally sold for $4.29. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Real Mayonnaise of the same size is $2.89, offering a saving of about 33%.

See Also: Ultimate Cheat Sheet: All The Store Brands Made By Name Brands

Pasta, Veggies & Rice

– Spaghetti: A 16 oz package of Barilla spaghetti usually costs $1.29. Compare this with Target’s Market Pantry spaghetti, priced at $0.95 for the same size, saving shoppers 26%.

– Rice: Uncle Ben’s Original Rice (2 lb bag) is priced at $3.48, whereas Kroger’s store brand rice of the same weight costs $1.99, yielding a savings of 43%.

– Canned Vegetables: Target’s Market Pantry canned green beans are $0.55 for a 14.5 oz can, whereas Green Giant’s equivalent is $1.19. The store brand offers more than 50% savings.

Snacks and Sweets

– Cookies: Oreo cookies (standard pack) are typically $3.67. Publix’s store brand cookies of the same type are $2.29 per pack, offering about 38% in savings.

– Potato Chips: A 9 oz bag of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips costs $3.29 at most stores. Compare this with Publix’s store brand, which offers a 10 oz bag for $2.00, saving customers around 39%.

– Chocolate Bars: Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar (1.55 oz) is priced around $0.89, while Dollar General’s Clover Valley brand is only $0.50 for the same size, representing a 44% savings.

Beverages & Coffee

– Coffee: Starbucks 12 oz ground coffee sells for $7.99 at most supermarkets. The equivalent from Walmart’s Great Value brand is only $3.88, yielding more than 51% in savings.

– Tea Bags: Lipton Black Tea (100 count) is often priced at $4.99, while ALDI’s Benner Classic Tea Bags (100 count) cost $1.89, showing a cost reduction of 62%.

MANY STORE BRANDS TASTE BETTER

In blind taste tests conducted by several consumer advocacy groups, many store brand products actually OUTPERFORM their name brand counterparts. For example, Trader Joe’s O’s cereal has been frequently rated higher in taste and quality compared to Cheerios.

Frozen Foods

– Frozen Pizza: DiGiorno Original Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza typically costs $6.99, but Target’s Market Pantry version sells for $4.50. That’s a saving of about 25%.

– Frozen Vegetables: Birds Eye Steamfresh Frozen Mixed Vegetables (10 oz) cost around $2.19, whereas Walmart’s Great Value brand offers the same amount for $1.00. Customers save approximately 54% by choosing the store brand.

Personal Care

– Toothpaste: Colgate Cavity Protection (6 oz) is usually around $1.67. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Fluoride Toothpaste, which offers two 6.4 oz tubes, costs $4.49. This breaks down to roughly $1.11 per tube, saving about 34%.

– Body Wash: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash (22 oz) sells for $6.88. Comparatively, Walgreens’ store brand, Complete Home, sells a similar product for $4.99 for the same quantity, saving 27%.

See Also: Amazon Hack: Learn How to Find Cheap Alternatives to Expensive Brands

Household Items

– Laundry Detergent: Costco’s Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean is $17.99 for 152 loads. Comparatively, Tide Original, which offers 96 loads, costs $19.99. Per load, Kirkland costs about 12 cents, while Tide costs about 21 cents – a savings of 43%.

LOYALTY HAS A PRICE

Despite the potential savings and comparable quality, some consumers remain loyal to name brands due to habits or perceived prestige. But it’s TIME TO CHANGE your mindset. Many are making a permanent switch after realizing the value and it’s time for you to consider the same.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

In some cases, store brands also offer better value in terms of ethical considerations, such as organic certification and eco-friendly packaging, at a lower price point than name brands.

For example, Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value products often meet or exceed the environmental and ethical standards set by more expensive name brands.

10 Name Brands That Can Be Cheaper:

Finding instances where name brands are cheaper (or nearly as cheap) as store brands can be a bit challenging.

However, during sales, promotions, or with the use of coupons, name brands can indeed come close to or even undercut the prices of store brands.

Here are 10 examples where this often occurs:

1. Cereal: During a promotional sale, a name brand like General Mills Cheerios might be on sale for $2.50 for a large box, which could be less expensive than the store brand equivalent at a regular price of $2.75.

2. Pasta Sauce: Name brands like Prego or Ragu often offer coupons that reduce their price significantly, potentially making them cheaper or comparable to store brands. For instance, with a $1 off coupon, a jar of Prego could come down to $1.50, similar to or less than a store brand priced at $1.75.

3. Diapers: Major brands like Pampers or Huggies sometimes offer bulk purchase deals or discounts through loyalty programs, making them more cost-effective per diaper compared to store brands, especially when also considering rewards points or cash back.

See Also: 14 Cheap Grocery Stores You Need to STOP Driving Past

4. Soft Drinks: Coca-Cola or Pepsi products are frequently on sale, especially during holiday weekends or major sporting events, where the price per can or bottle could drop below the store brand soda prices.

5. Bottled Water: Name brands like Aquafina or Dasani often have sales that price them competitively with store brands, particularly at big box stores or during summer promotions.

6. Toothpaste: Colgate and Crest frequently have coupons available that can make their prices comparable to or less than those of store brand toothpaste, particularly for the basic varieties.

7. Laundry Detergent: Tide and Gain, known for their effectiveness, occasionally offer manufacturer coupons or store-based loyalty discounts that make them a good deal compared to store brands, especially per wash calculations.

8. Peanut Butter: Jif and Skippy often go on sale and can be cheaper with a coupon or during a BOGO (buy-one-get-one) sale compared to store brands.

9. Chicken Broth: Swanson’s chicken broth is sometimes sold at a lower price than store brands when bought in bulk or on sale around major cooking holidays like Thanksgiving.

10. Baking Mixes: Betty Crocker cake mixes and brownie mixes often go on sale for $1.00 or less, which can be as cheap as or cheaper than store brand mixes.

These scenarios are typical examples of how strategic shopping, taking advantage of sales, using coupons, and participating in loyalty programs can make name brands as affordable as—or even cheaper than—store brands.

Always keeping an eye on weekly ads and digital coupons can help shoppers make the most of these opportunities.

While brand loyalty and preferences might still sway some, the economic benefits of switching to store brands are evident.

TAKE THE LEAP

The next time you’re at the grocery store dive-in and buy a couple store brands that you’ve never tried before. It’s really the only way to figure out if they’re a quality substitute as personal tastes vary wildly. The potential for savings is undeniable in a time where every dollar counts.

Ask the Reader: What store brands are you most fond of, both in terms of taste and price? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James