Most shoppers assume store-brand products are cheaper because they cut corners on quality. The truth is, many private-label items are manufactured by the very same companies that make the name brands. The only difference is the packaging and the price tag you see on the shelf. This behind-the-scenes arrangement is known as “private labeling,” and it saves retailers money while passing some of the savings to consumers. Let’s pull back the curtain on six store brands that are really just repackaged name brands hiding behind the barcode.
1. Kirkland Signature at Costco
Costco’s Kirkland Signature line has built a reputation for quality, and there’s a reason why. Many of the products are made by top-tier companies that also produce well-known name brands. For example, their coffee is roasted by the same supplier behind Starbucks beans. Other products, like batteries, are believed to come from Duracell manufacturers. Shoppers quickly realize that Kirkland isn’t cutting quality—it’s just cutting the label.
2. Great Value at Walmart
Walmart’s Great Value line often surprises shoppers who assume “cheap” equals “inferior.” In reality, many Great Value items are sourced from the same facilities as popular name brands. Their milk, for instance, may come from the exact same dairies that supply big-label cartons. Great Value peanut butter, canned vegetables, and cereals have been traced back to trusted national producers. When you buy Great Value, you’re often getting the same product at a fraction of the price.
3. Trader Joe’s Store Brand
Trader Joe’s is famous for its quirky private-label packaging, but the products inside are often from major companies. Many of their chips, sauces, and frozen meals are identical to items sold under premium brand names. For example, their pita chips have been linked to Stacy’s, and their yogurt may come from well-known dairy producers. Trader Joe’s thrives on this strategy, offering name-brand quality in a playful, budget-friendly wrapper. Savvy shoppers know the brand is less about shortcuts and more about clever rebranding.
4. 365 by Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value line is another example of hidden name brands in disguise. These products are often manufactured by the same suppliers that produce premium organic goods. Items like pasta, canned tomatoes, and organic snacks have been traced back to respected food companies. The difference is that 365 products skip the glossy name-brand marketing costs. For consumers, it means they get organic quality without the premium price tag.
5. Up & Up at Target
Target’s Up & Up brand covers everything from household cleaners to personal care products. Many of these items are identical in formula and production to big-name household brands. Their diapers, for example, are often compared to Huggies, while their cleaning sprays mirror formulas from Clorox. The packaging may be simpler, but the performance is usually just as strong. Shoppers who switch to Up & Up often find they’re paying less for the same results.
6. Aldi’s Store Brands
Aldi takes private labeling to another level, with most of their shelves filled with in-house brands. What many don’t realize is that these products are often made by the same companies behind famous household names. Their chips are frequently compared to Lay’s, and their chocolate has ties to European luxury brands. By skipping the branding costs, Aldi keeps prices low while maintaining quality. Behind the barcode, Aldi shoppers often discover hidden gems disguised as store brands.
What Smart Shoppers Already Know
The idea that store brands are always low quality simply isn’t true. Many are the exact same products as name brands, just without the fancy packaging or marketing costs. Shoppers who understand this save big without sacrificing taste, performance, or reliability. Knowing what’s behind the barcode can transform how you shop and how much you spend.
Which store-brand swaps have you discovered that surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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The post Behind the Barcode: 6 Store Brands That Are Just Repackaged Name Brands appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
