17 Store Brands That Were Weirdly Better Than the Originals
This listicle highlights store-brand products that surprisingly outshone their more expensive name-brand counterparts.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Store brands usually sit quietly next to flashy name brands, but every now and then, they steal the spotlight. This list takes a look at those unexpected wins — products that tasted better, lasted longer, or just made more sense than the “real thing.” Some even sparked debates in the grocery aisle.
1. Archer Farms Chips That Outsnacked the Big Brands
The original uploader was Vargklo at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia Commons
Target’s Archer Farms chips were so good that some shoppers stopped buying Doritos altogether. Their bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and clean ingredient lists won over snack lovers fast. Even die-hard brand loyalists admitted the store version had something special.
2. Kirkland Signature Batteries That Lasted Longer Than Duracell
Town of Kirkland on Wikimedia Commons
Costco’s Kirkland batteries became a quiet favorite for anyone tired of pricey name brands. They often lasted just as long or even longer than Duracell in side-by-side tests. People stocked up, realizing they were getting real value without sacrificing performance.
3. Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter That Outshined Nutella
Trader Joe’s on Pexels
Nutella had its moment, but Trader Joe’s cookie butter quickly took over pantry space. It had a spiced, creamy flavor that felt like dessert and nostalgia in one jar. Once people tried it, many forgot all about the chocolate hazelnut spread.
4. Walmart’s Great Value Mac & Cheese That Beat Kraft for Creaminess
Jesus-Rojas-11 on Wikimedia Commons
Kraft might be the name everyone knew, but Great Value’s version often came out creamier and richer. Shoppers loved how the cheese powder blended smoothly and didn’t taste overly salty. Some even claimed it reminded them more of homemade.
5. Aldi’s Choceur Chocolate That Felt Like European Luxury
Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd on Wikimedia Commons
Choceur chocolate bars from Aldi gave off major high-end vibes at a fraction of the cost. They were rich, smooth, and tasted like something straight out of Belgium. Many shoppers chose them over brands like Hershey’s without hesitation.
6. Up & Up Cleaning Wipes That Took Down Clorox
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Target’s Up & Up disinfecting wipes quietly became a favorite in households. They cleaned just as well as Clorox but came in larger packs and cost less. People who tried them once often never looked back.
7. Wegmans Ice Cream That Felt Like a Premium Scoop
Wegmans Food Markets on Wikimedia Commons
Wegmans store-brand ice cream didn’t taste like a budget option. It was rich, creamy, and came in gourmet flavors that rivaled national brands. Fans called it one of the best supermarket secrets.
8. President’s Choice Ketchup That Surprised Heinz Fans
President’s Choice on Wikimedia Commons
Canada’s President’s Choice ketchup had a bold tomato flavor with just the right balance of sweet and tangy. It became a serious rival to Heinz and even sparked national debates. Some fans swore it made fries taste better.
9. 365 Everyday Value Pasta That Cooked Up Just Right
365 on Wikimedia Commons
Whole Foods’ 365 pasta always cooked to a perfect al dente texture. It held sauces beautifully and didn’t clump together like cheaper brands sometimes did. Budget shoppers and foodies alike gave it quiet praise.
10. Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken That Beat the Takeout
Evan Joshua Swigart (TheCulinaryGeek) from Chicago, Illinois, USA; hometown of Ames, Iowa, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Their frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken became a fan obsession for good reason. The sauce was tangy and flavorful, and the breading stayed crisp even from the oven. It made people rethink fast-food runs.
11. Kroger’s Private Selection Coffee That Surprised Caffeine Snobs
Kroger on Wikimedia Commons
Kroger’s Private Selection coffee had a bold, smooth taste that held up against boutique brands. It brewed rich flavor without bitterness, and the aroma alone sold it. Coffee lovers on a budget knew this one was a keeper.
12. CVS Health Bandages That Actually Stayed On
CVS Health on Wikimedia Commons
CVS store-brand bandages proved stronger than some name brands when it came to staying power. They were flexible, comfortable, and did not peel off halfway through the day. People found themselves skipping the flashy boxes for these.
13. Sam’s Choice Soda That Was Way More Fun Than Coke
Walmart on Wikimedia Commons
Walmart’s Sam’s Choice sodas came in wild flavors and always had strong fizz. Some flavors like cherry cola even became cult favorites among teens and soda fans. It was fun, cheap, and just different enough to win people over.
14. Publix Bakery Cookies That Beat Famous Amos
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Publix store-brand bakery cookies were soft, chewy, and full of chocolate chunks. Shoppers swore they tasted like they came from a local bakery, not a chain. Even picky snackers kept going back for more.
15. H-E-B Salsa That Put National Brands to Shame
HEB Grocery Company, LP on Wikimedia Commons
Texans already knew H-E-B’s store-brand salsa was unbeatable. It had the perfect mix of heat, texture, and real veggie chunks. People skipped Tostitos and went straight to these flavorful jars.
16. Equate Lotion That Matched Big Brands Without the Price
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Walmart’s Equate lotion was a budget version of pricey skincare that actually delivered. It hydrated without leaving a greasy feel and helped with dry skin fast. Many switched permanently after trying it once.
17. Meijer Frozen Veggies That Stayed Crisp After Cooking
Meijer, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Meijer’s frozen vegetables were bright, flavorful, and kept their crunch after heating. They did not get soggy or dull like some bigger brands. Home cooks noticed and gave them permanent freezer space.