20 Cost-Effective Alternatives to Popular Brands
You don't have to settle for low-quality products with these alternatives.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 5 min read
Store brands and generic products tend to be just as good as their name brand counterparts but at a fraction of the price. Specifically, you should consider buying off-brand groceries, generic medicines, and inexpensive household products. The best products offer the best value without sacrificing quality — reading ingredient lists, checking reviews, and testing alternative brands can help.
1. Kirkland Signature Laundry Detergent Pods vs. Tide Pods
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Why spend more on clean clothes? Kirkland Signature Laundry Detergent Pods Have stain-fighting power like Tide Pods. They get laundry done for less, making laundry day easier on your wallet.
2. Market Pantry Potato Crisps vs. Pringles
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Want that satisfying crunch? Target’s Market Pantry potato crisps are Pringles’ taste and texture. Hence, go ahead and munch on your favorite snack while keeping your cash flow in check.
3. Great Value Macaroni and Cheese vs. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
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It doesn’t have to be expensive to have comfort food. Walmart’s Great Value mac and cheese provides a creamy, cheese experience similar to Kraft’s. It’s a family favorite that will save you money without sacrificing flavor.
4. Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Cocoa Spread vs. Nutella
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Satisfy your sweet tooth guiltlessly with Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Cocoa Spread. This has a thick, creamy flavor that’s very similar to Nutella. Indulge without breaking the bank.
5. Up & Up Paper Towels vs. Bounty Paper Towels
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Remove spills without spilling your money. The absorbency and strength of Target’s Up & Up paper towels are on par with Bounty ones. They clean up messes and can offer value and savings in one deal.
6. Stop & Shop Diapers vs. Huggies Diapers
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You can keep your baby comfortable without the premium price. Stop & Shop’s store-brand diapers offer a snug fit and absorbency similar to Huggies. These diapers keep little ones happy and dry; a flip parenting can count on.
7. Generic Ibuprofen vs. Advil
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Why spend more on pain relief? The active ingredient in generic ibuprofen is the same as the one found in Advil. It is a cheaper option that provides potent relief from headaches and minor pain.
8. Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Mac and Cheese vs. Annie’s Organic Mac and Cheese
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Get organic good stuff at not-optimum costs. Aldi’s Simply Nature organic mac and cheese is as good as Annie’s. It’s a wholesome option that is good for both the family and your wallet.
9. CVS Health Allergy Relief vs. Claritin
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Get your friend that on-the-go remedy before a seafood snack. These allergy relief tablets from CVS Health have the same active ingredient as Claritin. They offer world-class symptom relief at a tiny fraction of the cost.
10. Nature’s Promise Organic Products vs. Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value
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Go organic without breaking the bank. Nature’s Promise provides an organic line to rival Whole Foods’ 365 brand. Find healthy organic options that don’t break the bank.
11. Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser vs. High-End Cleansers
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Have a more youthful appearance without the price of luxury. Byoma’s Creamy Jelly Cleanser wipes away dirt and grime and is as good as some much pricier brands. It’s a skincare closet classic that works and saves you cash.
12. Superdrug B. Melting Cleansing Balm vs. Premium Cleansing Balms
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Remove makeup, not money. Superdrug’s B. Melting Cleansing Balm feels luxurious like expensive balms. It cleanses deep, leaves skin soft, and saves you pounds.
13. StylPro Wavelength LED Mask vs. Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask
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Light up your nightly skincare routine for less. StylPro’s Wavelength LED Mask offers benefits similar to those of Dr. Dennis Gross’s version. Get that with £366 in your pocket for revived skin.
14. M&S Midnight Blossom Perfume vs. Luxury Fragrances
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It smells amazing for a fraction of the price. M&S’s Midnight Blossom perfume has a similar scent profile to the luxurious perfumes—the ring of a luxurious scent that gives a lasting effect and is worth the price.
15. Revolution Pro Miracle Night Serum vs. High-End Night Serums
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Get dewy skin A-Listers style without spending money on Revolution Pro Miracle Night Serum, which works like pricier serums. It’s a night treatment that replenishes your skin and your bank account.
16. Natural Collection Bronzer vs. Premium Bronzers
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Get the glow for less. Use the Natural Collection bronzer for a warm, glowy finish that rivals high-end brands. It’s also an affordable way to give your complexion an upgrade 365 days of the year.
17. Essence Make Me Brow Gel vs. Benefit Gimme Brow
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Want sharp brows with a non-designer brand? Essence’s Make Me Brow Gel has a tinted formula that fills and shapes, like Benefit’s Gimme Brow. Get fuller, natural-looking brows without breaking your budget.
18. Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation vs. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
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Want perfect coverage without the luxury price? Lasting Perfection Foundation by Collection leaves a smooth, long-lasting finish similar to NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer. It’s a makeup product that gives high-end results for a fraction of the price.
19. L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Satin Lipstick vs. High-End Lipsticks
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Want an intense lip color without the luxury price? L’Oreal Color Riche Satin Lipstick offers bright colors and a creamy formula similar to those of high-end brands. Get a luscious pout while keeping your wallet full.
20. E.l.f. Power Grip Primer vs. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
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Need a primer that keeps your makeup in place all day? The tacky base of E.l.f.’s Power Grip Primer means it’ll last, similar to Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer. A beauty steal that leaves you looking flawless from dawn to dusk.