4 Best Store-Brand Swaps When You’re Trying To Cut Grocery Costs
With food costs rising, it’s harder to put food on the table. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, food costs were 3.2% higher in April 2026 than in April 2025.
It’s unclear where prices will go from here, but there’s something shoppers can do to ease the squeeze. Switch to store-bought brands, which are often much cheaper than name brands without compromising on quality. Here are some to consider.
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Great Value
Shopping for groceries at Walmart is a smart way to stock up and save, especially when you buy the retailer's private-label Great Value brand. You can save up to 35% a year when you buy Great Value, per Walmart's website, and it's a brand that culinary pros turn to.
“You will always find Great Value pickles and cheese in my refrigerator,” said Melissa Nolan, chef and senior recipe developer with Budget Bytes.
But she also has Great Value staples like rice, pasta, canned beans, lentils and frozen veggies always on hand, as well as a couple of splurges.
“I’m almost embarrassed to admit [how much I love the] Great Value Stuffed Crust Supreme Pizza and Sour Cream and Cheddar chips,” Nolan said. “I call the pizza my ‘emergency pizza’ that lives in my freezer until I’m just too tired to cook ... And honestly, I’d put those chips up against any brand in a blind taste test.”
Kroger
Kroger stores are primarily concentrated in the Midwest, South and parts of the Western U.S, and it’s another go-to store brand for Nolan because it delivers on “value and quality.”
The chain has several brands, including Smart Way, Kroger, Simple Truth and Private Selection.
“When I’m shopping there, you can be sure I’m reaching for the Simple Truth salsa and chips and Private Selection pasta sauces,” she said. “The chips and salsa rival any restaurant, and the pasta sauce is rich, bold, and packed with flavor.”
Buying Kroger store brands can save you 20% to 30% in all food categories, according to Bargain Boxed.
Kirkland
Costco’s private label Kirkland is one of the many reasons shoppers are loyal to the warehouse giant. The brand has a reputation for unbeatable value, good quality and a variety of choices. Plus, there are other ways to save.
“Costco's weekly digital circulars are a hidden gem for finding the best deals on Kirkland brand products,” said Bree Shellito, CCUFC, CUDE, senior manager of community and workforce well-being at Ent Credit Union. “These circulars, accessible via email sign-up, the Costco app, or online, highlight current promotions and discounts.”
According to a 2025 study from CashNetUSA, members can save a good amount of money, but how much depends on the items you buy and how often you shop in bulk.
Aldi
Aldi offers a no-frills shopping experience, but those stripped-down operations are part of why its prices are often lower than those of traditional grocery stores. The company’s business model counts on smaller stores, fewer employees, limited product selection and efficient operations — all designed to keep prices down for customers.
Additionally, the chain also stocks more than 90% of its own products, helping keep costs down and more money in shoppers' pockets.
Consumers' Checkbook shopped several big chains and compared prices, showing that consumers can save 35% a visit, which can add up to nearly $4,000 a year, per Aldi’s 2025 Leadership Report.
Name brands aren’t always better; sometimes they’re just more expensive. By switching to store brands for everyday items, you can significantly save.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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