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11/02/2024 07:20:01 am

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To be, or not to be generic? Should you buy generic cereals, cheese, and spices?

General Mills Quarterly Profits Jump 51 Percent

(Photo : Getty Images) Boxes of cereal made by General Mills sit on the shelf at a grocery store.

There has always been a debate in selecting between the generic and famously branded products in the grocery store. Generic products are labelled as more affordable prices, with less quality, while the branded ones are said to be the exact opposite. However, continuous reviews and studies prove otherwise.

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If you're about to head out to the market to buy your regular staple food, such as cereals, cheese, and spices, here are quick tips on when to pick up the "generic" choice.

CEREALS

Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes-you name it. Before you even head on over to the store, you and your child have already seen the line-up of the available branded cereals. However, as a responsible consumer who looks out for both price and quality, you also need to look out for the generic brands that almost have the same names, but with an entirely different price tag.

For instance, CBS News recently reported that an 18-ounce box of Kellogg's Corn Flakes costs $2.98 at Wal-Mart, while Great Value's Corn Flakes is only $1.98.

In fact, the price difference between branded and generic versions is reported to be around 25 to 50 percent from How Stuffworks. You just have to ignore the flashy, colorful commercials in order to save.

Teri Gault from The Grocery Game recommended trying the Safeway O-Organic Granola Cereal according to Business Insider.

SPICES

Because spices and seasonings add flavor to your meals, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to buy the most famous and expensive brands. CBS News cited the use of basil flavor. Instead of buying a McCormick brand for $2.96, you can purchase a Great Value's generic brand for only $2.24, according to CBS News. The cents you save can continuously add up.

CHEESE

Now when it comes to cheese, however, you need to carefully weigh the cost versus the quality. For many cases, generic brands aren't applicable with cheese.

For example, when you buy an 8 oz Great Value Sharp Cheddar Sliced Cheese for $2.47 rather than Sargento's 8 oz. package of Natural Deli Style Sharp Cheddar Cheese slices priced at $2.50, you are only saving 3 cents. But with the huge difference of flavor, it's more advisable to go with Sarganto cheese.

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