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When Is It Really Worth It to Buy Name Brand?

September 21 // 8 Comments // 5 Minute Read

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Generic vs. non-generic sometimes makes a difference! Frugality is important, but here are 7 things you should buy name-brand.
 This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.
 

To this day, my mom insists ALDI round crackers taste exactly the same as Ritz.

I vehemently disagree.

But on some things, my mom is totally right. She taught my sister and I to analyze generic vs non generic and respect generic brands as part of our thrifty upbringing. Open up our cabinets today and you will still find them stocked full of Walmart brands Equate and Great Value.

Did you know? When you compare generic vs non generic brands …

  1. Generic brands cost 20-25% less than their brand name competitors (unless, of course, you’re into extreme couponing!).
  2. Generic brands boast similar ingredients leading to similar (if not the same!) quality and value.

So I’ll happily buy generic versions of milk, sugar, and produce, etc.

But do NOT try to convince me a crème-filled chocolate sandwich cookie tastes the same as an Oreo! Cheaper does not always mean the same quality.

These seven items are proof.

Generic vs. Non Generic

1. Running / Hiking Shoes

When I first started running and hiking, I wore Walmart sneakers.

Without the proper support, my ankles wobbled all over the place. And when I almost fell multiple times on our Grand Canyon hike (the tiny rocks are very slippery on the way down!), I decided to pay more for better footwear.

running shoes

Here’s what I bought:

  1. Brooks running shoes (I recommend getting fitted at a local running store. They usually do it for free!)
  2. Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoes

My feet have never been so happy. I’m thrilled with how well they are holding up after miles and miles of rough terrain!

Durability matters, which leads me to my next point …

2. Paper Products

I get SO frustrated when I open up a zip top bag only to have it split down the sides. Or use a napkin that practically disintegrates when food touches it. Or even worse, wrestle with plastic wrap that won’t cut where it’s supposed to.

Augh!

Because paper products are one-use items, it’s hard to spend more money on them. They’ll just end up in the garbage anyway! But the more frustrated I get with how they fail in their one job, the more I’m willing to spend money for the right stuff.

toilet paper

I refuse to buy anything that is not:

  • Bounty paper towels
  • Actual Saran wrap
  • Cottonelle toilet paper
  • Vanityfair napkins
  • Puff’s tissues (with lotion!)

And maybe that makes me sound like a snob, but I don’t care! The struggle is real. Especially when it comes to paper products … and jeans!

3. Jeans

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really come to appreciate well-fitting jeans! I have a long list of requirements for the perfect jean.

They need to be:

  • Soft and stretchy
  • Form-fitting, but not too tight
  • Loose enough in the waist so they don’t dig into my stomach when I sit down
  • Available in a variety of washes and shades

The Lauren Conrad Super Skinny Jeans check everything on this list. I sure hope they don’t discontinue this brand, because I’m a convert for life!

woman wearing jeans

4. Fitness Trackers

Want to hear a funny story?

My sister and I planned to give my mom a FitBit for Christmas, but she didn’t want us to spend that much money. (Remember my mom’s belief in generic vs non generic brands? I come by the frugal bug naturally!)

Thinking she could save us some money, my mom bought an off-brand one. And guess what? One week later, this Fitbit knock-off didn’t track or sync properly. She returned it and let us buy her a legit Fitbit, right?

Nope. She bought another off-brand tracker!

When that one didn’t work either (I think it lasted a couple more weeks than the first), she finally relented. That was a year and a half ago, and her Fitbit is still going strong.

Need I say more?

fit bit on a woman's wrist

Psst… Garmin is an excellent brand as well.

5. Bras

Time to get personal!

Every time my friends grumble about replacing their bras every six months to a year, I want to say, “You don’t have to. Just buy a higher quality bra!”

I’ve always bought Victoria’s Secret bras. I also own a Third Love bra that is in excellent shape three years later.

Bras from Walmart or Target would give me 6 months wearability tops … and while I was wearing them, they were wearing out … not to mention falling apart at the seams (literally).

Recently, I tried a few other bra brands at Kohl’s, Ross, and T.J. Maxx to see if the quality had changed. Nope! I could tell right away the lack of quality by the way the wires dug into my skin. I also didn’t feel any support.

Think of it this way: you could spend $45 on a bra that lasts three years (total cost: $45 every three years) OR $15 on one that last six months (total cost: $90 every three years). In other words, the cheaper bras cost more than if you had purchased a quality bra in the first place.

FYI: Your bras won’t stay in great shape if you just throw them in the wash….they will stretch out and you will wonder why you ever paid extra for them. I never hand-wash mine (too much work!) and instead use a mesh lingerie bag to protect the structure.

Now let’s talk about something less personal but just as important to we women: what we put on our face!

6. Makeup

There are many well-made drug store makeup brands that cause people to second-guess paying for higher end ones.

But there are also a few expensive products that work so much better than a cheaper alternative! Sometimes generic vs non generic matters, friends!

organized makeup collection

I’m a huge fan of:

  • Urban Decay Naked Foundation ($40)
  • KatVonDee Studded Creme Lipstick ($20)
  • The Anastasia Soft Glam Eye Palette ($42)
  • Benefit BADgal Bang Mascara ($25)

These brands last a whole lot longer, don’t clump or smear, and blend beautifully into my skin.

I’m always on the lookout for cheaper options (the nerd in me even has a makeup “database” in Notion where I list the products I try and what I think!), but I also won’t hesitate to pay more for the results I want.

organized makeup database

Related: Curious about what other beauty products I splurge on? They’re listed in this post.

7. Select Food Items

Like I mentioned in the beginning, this whole generic vs non generic discussion started with food. So what do I purchase in addition to Ritz Crackers and Oreos?

  • Hershey’s Baking Cocoa (it offers a richness like none else!)
  • Nestle Chocolate Chips
  • Ghirardelli Brownie Mixes
  • Heinz Tomato Ketchup
  • JIF Peanut Butter (Peter Pan is a runner-up)
  • Log Cabin Syrup

Just to name a few!

JIF peanut butter

Bottom line: If you bought everything generic, of course you would save a ton of money.

But would you be happy with the value? Or would you replace those items a few months down the road because they fell apart? Or would you force yourself to endure the taste of a generic brand that cannot compare to the original?

Sometimes, we feel like we have to suffer through using items that are cheap, but when you invest in high quality items that last (sometimes just because!), then you’re putting a lot more thought into every purchase. You might even spend less over the long haul.

This is why intentional spending matters.

I want you to save on the things that don’t matter so you can spend your hard-earned money on the things that do.

Everyone will have different opinions as to what products they deem worth more of their paycheck. Don’t discount generic products, but make sure you’re 100% happy with what you buy.

What brand name items do you love?

Tell me in the comments what quality products trump price for you!

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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Comments

  1. Wendy says

    August 2 at 12:19 am

    Oh my! I just took your BFF test on Ig and matched up with all of your list and now, after reading this article, we almost agree on all the name brand items we must buy except for toilet paper I have to buy Charmin Extra Soft. I have to try the jeans you like the best because I still haven’t found the right pair of jeans yet! Also, since we like a lot of the same stuff, I must ask you, what EYELINER do you use and like the best?

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      August 3 at 11:27 pm

      This is too funny because….I still haven’t found an eyeliner that I LOVE so I’m currently using one from Mary Kay, but I honestly don’t like enough to recommend it. It’s a placeholder until I find that perfect one. 😉

      Reply
  2. Wendy R Fulton says

    August 4 at 8:37 am

    Kalyn,

    I am currently also using an eyeliner from MK!  LOL, too funny!  I am a MK consultant but since signing up to become one i found various other makeup that I like better but there are products I do like. 

    If you find a eyeliner you like,  I’ll be interested in knowing which one it is. 
    I hope you have a good day. 

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      August 5 at 12:34 pm

      And if you find one first…let me know! 😀

      Reply
  3. Jim says

    August 17 at 6:09 pm

    Can I throw one more big one in there for parents. DIAPERS.
    Never buy store brand diapers, they just do not protect as well as the name brands. The money you save on the purchase is lost in ruined clothing and gross messes.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      August 21 at 2:11 pm

      That’s great advice!

      Reply
  4. Cherrie says

    September 11 at 12:57 am

    Best Foods Mayo
    Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup
    Watkins Black Pepper and Cinnamon
    Kirkland Bath Tissue
    Oscar Meyer wieners
    I don’t have a problem spending less $ on clothes from WalMart – Most items last me 2 to 3 years and when colors fade or they show signs of wear, I use them for working in the yard, painting or camping.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      September 11 at 1:25 pm

      That’s a great list! You make a good point about spending less on clothes as well.

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Kalyn—a recovering perfectionist who nerds out about organizing systems, personal productivity, and helping you prioritize what matters over the pressure to do it all. I have a feeling we’re about to become the best of friends! Learn more >>

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I’ve seen a lot of new faces follow me this mont
I’ve seen a lot of new faces follow me this month—welcome! 👋

My name is Kalyn (swipe right to see my husband, Joseph, and I shivering at the beach). We travel full time in an RV, but are Floridians at heart. 60 degrees is NOT warm enough for a beach day! 🏝️

I started blogging in 2012 to share my love for saving money. Today, I help thousands of women live a more minimalist lifestyle, establish planning systems and routines, and pursue positive personal growth. 💪

It is a huge privilege to connect with you here. 🥰

Other random facts: I love to read (lately I’m a fan of psychological thrillers), crocheting relieves my anxiety, and I’m five months into eating a plant-based lifestyle. 🌱

I used to hate meal planning and being in the kitchen but going vegan helped me fall in love with cooking nutritious meals. 🍽️

New or not, thank you for adding me to your feed. I’m so grateful we connected on social media. 

Now it’s your turn! Share a random fact about yourself in the comments. I want to get to know you better! 💞

Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
⁣
Sadly, I find m

Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
⁣
Sadly, I find most people resist minimalism because they can't wrap their head around "having less." People tend to equate this movement with blank walls, white IKEA furniture, and decluttering everything in your home down to practically nothing so you can live full-time in an RV. Like me. 😉⁣
⁣
But, while minimalism could be all that, this mindset misses the point. Minimalism is not only about “having less.” 🚫⁣
⁣
It’s so much more than that.⁣
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This week on the blog, I'm sharing the REAL definition of minimalism (that people who love their stuff can totally get behind!) as well as practical ways to incorporate minimalism into your life. 🎉⁣
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Drop a heart emoji in the comments below and I'll send the link to your DM's! 💖

I love lazy Saturday mornings…as long as I have
I love lazy Saturday mornings...as long as I have a book and a cozy blanket! 😍

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣
⁣
“I’ve been thinking about what tech boundaries I want to instill, including boundaries related to work and productivity. I’ve become less careful about my media consumption, and it’s having a negative affect on my mental health.” 💞⁣
⁣
Have you ever felt a similar tug? ⁣
⁣
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I pick up my phone because I’m bored or lonely or jealous or unhappy. It almost always makes me feel worse. And yet...I struggle to stop. 😝⁣
⁣
Here are the ideas I’ve been trying this month and I’m already seeing a positive effect:⁣
⁣
➕ No logging into social media after 8pm. I need to wind down for the night, not get lost in my phone! 📲⁣
➕ Open Instagram with a purpose—either to post or to interact. Stop endlessly scrolling.⁣
➕ My only screen time before 9am should be for Bible Study apps or News. 🗞⁣
➕ Turn my phone on Do Not Disturb during Tiger Time (when I need the most focus for work) 💪⁣
➕ Work no more than 4 hours on my business per day. If a task isn’t complete, push it to the next day. This time frame has really helped me prioritize! 💻⁣
➕ Watch one show per day (or two if they are short!) and leave movies for the weekend. 📺⁣
⁣
What tech boundaries have you set up? Are any new as of this year? I’d love to hear your ideas! 😃

What’s one thing you budget for that other peopl
What’s one thing you budget for that other people might not? I always find those interesting. 😃⁣
⁣
You might have a mortgage. I budget for campgrounds. You might want a separate clothing budget, while I’m fine combining it under “Beauty and Style.” Recently, we also added a new line item for our motorcycle—something I NEVER thought would appear in our budget. ⁣
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See, we’re all different! ⁣
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Recently, I rearranged my budget categories and created this “cheat sheet.” Sometimes I forget where things go, like picking up new wall art for the living room. Does this item belong in the categories of Household Items or Home Maintenance? 🤔⁣
⁣
Now I know! And I save time processing receipts each Friday. 🧾⁣
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What budgeting categories do you use? Share one of your random budget line items with me in the comments below! 😃

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I’m never afraid to stop reading a book if it doesn’t live up to the hype. Why invest more time in a book I’m not all that excited about when I could be exploring new authors and storylines where I can’t wait to turn the page? 🤷⁣
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But in 2020, I let more books go than I normally do. I suppose my patience dwindled when I thought the world was ending. Not that I thought the world was actually ending…but you know what I mean. 😉⁣
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As an Enneagram 1, I hate giving up on a book. I’m prone to the all-or-nothing mentality, even in my reading habits. My eyes could glaze over boring prose and I’d still repeat to myself: “You MUST finish this book!” 😫⁣
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Why? ⁣
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No one is adding a plastic star to your Book-It pin, (Remember those?) This isn’t assigned reading from your high school English class. This is YOUR reading life. ⁣
⁣
And YOU should choose what books deserve your attention. 📚⁣
⁣
There are too many good ones out there anyway.  Like one of my favorite reads from 2020. 😍⁣
⁣
This week’s newest blog post rounds up everything I read last year (43 books total!) including 5-star psychological thrillers, a delightful royal series, a couple self-help books, and of course, historical fiction.⁣
⁣
Click the link in my bio to read it! ☝⁣
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What were your favorite books in 2020? Our literary styles might be a match made in heaven! ✨


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