The Quick Report

15 Generic Brands That Are Basically the Same as the Expensive Ones

Brand loyalty is real, but so is saving money. Some generic products are so close to the name-brand version that the only real difference is the label—and the price tag.

Here are 15 generic brands that basically are the fancy stuff, just without the marketing budget.

15. Kirkland Signature Batteries (vs. Duracell)

Duracell Battries
Flickr

They last just as long and cost way less. Fun fact: Duracell actually makes the Kirkland ones, so it’s literally the same power for fewer bucks.

14. Great Value Peanut Butter (vs. Jif)

Jif Peanut Butter
Openverse

Smooth, creamy, and surprisingly spreadable. In a blind taste test, you’d never guess you saved a couple dollars.

13. Target Good & Gather Granola Bars (vs. Nature Valley)

Nature Valley
Openverse

They’re crunchy, sweet, and just as crumbly as the originals. Bonus: your car seat still ends up covered in crumbs, so you know they’re legit.

12. Aldi Millville Cereals (vs. Kellogg’s and General Mills)

Kellogg’s Breakfast Cereal
Flickr

Whether it’s “Honey Crunch N’ Oats” or “Fruity Whirls,” it’s the same sugar rush with different cartoon mascots. Kids don’t care and neither should your budget.

11. Trader Joe’s White Cheddar Puffs (vs. Pirate’s Booty)

Pirate’s Booty
Flickr

Same cheesy goodness, same melt-in-your-mouth texture. The only real difference is you’re not paying extra for a cartoon pirate’s marketing team.

10. CVS Ibuprofen (vs. Advil)

Advil
Flickr

Your headache doesn’t care what brand name is stamped on the pill. Same active ingredient, same relief—just without the premium price.

9. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Vodka (vs. Grey Goose)

Grey Goose Vodka
Flickr

This one’s practically legend. It’s widely believed to come from the same distillery as Grey Goose, and even vodka snobs struggle to tell them apart.

8. Walmart Great Value Cheese Crackers (vs. Cheez-Its)

Cheez-Its
Flickr

Same crunch, same cheesy kick, same snackable vibe. Cheez-Its might have the name, but Great Value brings the flavor.

7. Target Up & Up Baby Wipes (vs. Pampers or Huggies)

Huggies
Flickr

Soft, durable, and parent-approved. You’re wiping baby cheeks, not branding loyalty—save the money for diapers.

6. Aldi’s Clancy’s Chips (vs. Lay’s)

Lay’s
Flickr

Clancy’s delivers that classic salty crunch without the brand-name markup. It’s the same satisfying chip-to-air ratio, too.

5. Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese (vs. Annie’s)

Annie's Macaroni and Cheese
Openverse

Rich, creamy, and just as comforting. It’s organic, affordable, and you don’t have to chase the bunny logo to get a good bowl.

4. Kirkland Signature Diapers (vs. Huggies)

Huggies Diapers
Wikimedia Commons

They’re super absorbent, soft, and gentle on baby skin. The kicker? They’re made by the same manufacturer as Huggies.

3. Aldi Baker’s Corner Brownie Mix (vs. Betty Crocker)

Betty Crocker
Flickr

Gooey, fudgy, and a total crowd-pleaser. No one’s checking the box when they’re going in for a second square.

Read More: 15 Things You Should Always Buy Generic

2. Equate Allergy Relief (vs. Benadryl)

Benadryl
Flickr

Same antihistamine, same sleepiness, same clear sinuses. Save the money and stock up for allergy season.

Read More: 20 Items That Are Always Cheaper at Costco

1. Costco Kirkland Signature Olive Oil (vs. Fancy Imported Brands)

Villa de Solio olive oil
Flickr

It’s cold-pressed, extra virgin, and tested to the same standards as high-end bottles. Drizzle it, cook with it, or dip bread in it—no one will know you didn’t pay $25 for the label.

Read More: 10 Items to NEVER Buy at Aldi

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