Buying branded groceries can quickly inflate your weekly supermarket bill. The good news is that many everyday products taste the same, work just as well and cost significantly less when you choose the generic or home brand version.
In Australia, supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles and IGA offer their own generic lines, while Aldi specialises almost entirely in home-brand products. Costco shoppers will also be familiar with Kirkland, which often matches or exceeds the quality of branded alternatives.
If you’re unsure where to start, a simple way to switch is to compare labels and ingredients, then try blind taste tests at home. You might be surprised how little difference there is — especially once food is cooked or mixed into a recipe.
Flour
If you bake at home, generic flour is an easy win.
- Plain, self-raising and wholemeal flour are typically identical to branded versions
- Generic options are also available for cornflour, almond meal and gluten-free flour
- In most recipes, you won’t notice any difference in texture or taste
Tip: If you only bake occasionally, buy generic flour in smaller packs to avoid waste.
Sugar
Whether it’s white, brown, raw or icing sugar, generic versions are usually far cheaper.
- Ingredient lists are often identical
- Branded sugar can cost double for the same product
- Sugar is rarely consumed on its own, making brand loyalty unnecessary
Salt & basic condiments
You don’t need premium salt for everyday cooking.
- Generic table salt works perfectly for cooking and baking
- The same applies to basic condiments like vinegar and cooking sauces
- Save premium purchases for items where flavour really matters
Canned beans & vegetables
Generic canned goods are a pantry staple for budget-conscious families.
- Chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans and vegetables are usually interchangeable
- Check labels for country of origin if buying Australian-made is important to you
- Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium
Tip: Keep a list of your most-used canned goods so you only stock what you actually eat.
Rice
Rice is another product where generic brands shine.
- White, brown, jasmine, basmati and arborio rice are widely available as generics
- Often sourced from the same country as branded options
- Once cooked, differences are minimal
Milk
Milk is one of the most debated generic swaps — but often one of the best.
- Generic milk usually comes from the same dairies as branded milk
- The main difference is packaging and marketing
- Taste-test at home and compare the savings over a year
Tip: If you’re unsure, start with generic milk for cooking and cereal before switching fully.
Butter
Butter is butter for most everyday uses.
- Generic butter works well for cooking and baking
- Consider branded butter only for spreading or special recipes
- Compare cost per 100g to see the real savings
Pasta
Once pasta is covered in sauce, brand differences are hard to detect.
- Generic pasta is significantly cheaper
- Experiment with shapes and textures to find favourites
- Cooking pasta al dente improves taste regardless of brand
Cheese
For everyday meals, generic cheese does the job.
- Block cheese, grated cheese and sandwich slices are often indistinguishable
- Use branded cheese only for cheese boards or special occasions
- Generic cheese melts and cooks just as well
Tinned tomatoes
This is one of the best generic swaps for family cooking.
- Whole canned tomatoes often show better quality than crushed varieties
- Generic versions are ideal for sauces, soups and casseroles
- Look for tomatoes packed in juice rather than puree
Cereal products
Many families are surprised by how good generic cereals have become.
- Generic cornflakes, rice bubbles and oats are very similar to branded versions
- Blind taste tests help overcome brand bias
- Compare sugar content as well as price
Tip: Switch one cereal at a time to avoid resistance from kids.
Frozen fruit & vegetables
Frozen produce is where generics often match branded quality exactly.
- Often processed at peak ripeness
- Ideal for smoothies, baking and cooked meals
- Check ingredients — it should list only the fruit or vegetable
Bottled water
Bottled water is one of the easiest expenses to cut.
- Generic bottled water is far cheaper than branded versions
- Better yet, use a refillable water bottle at home and on the go
- This saves money and reduces plastic waste
How to switch to generic without frustration
If you’re new to buying generic, take it slow.
- Swap one or two items per shop
- Do blind taste tests with your family
- Track savings over a month to stay motivated
Even replacing a handful of branded products can save hundreds of dollars a year.
Want more tips on saving money? Check out our article How to Easily Save Money – 101 Tips to Save on Family Expenses and Top Tips to Save Money on Your Grocery Shop.