I bought some butter today. Yes, just butter. Not Land-O-Lakes, not Nu-Maid, just butter. Actually the best butter is homemade, Amish-made, but I just needed some butter fast so I went with store-bought. I guess I’m a generic product manufacturers dream because I can’t tell the difference between generic butter or Land O’Lakes. Gimme store-brand peanut butter over Jif or Skippy any day. Or generic paper towels over Bounty. Really, what’s the difference? Can anyone REALLY tell the difference between Kroger store-brand peanut butter or Jif? I was in the grocery business for awhile once (that is a post for another day) and I can tell you that you have some name-brand products that are simply repackaged as “private label” when in reality it’s the exact same thing. So why not save a few bucks and buy generic? I can’t think of a reason not too…Rachel is a bit more discriminating in her taste and she says she can tell the difference in items…if I had it my way the whole cart would probably be full of generics!:)
When I was a kid the grocery store actually had a “generics” aisle and all the products were packaged in plain black and white…with non-descript lettering like “PAPER TOWELS”, “DETERGENT”, “COLA.” People kind of looked askance at you if you were browsing in the generic section. Today’s generics, however, are much more appealing, packaged colorfully and given names like “Food Club” or “Premium Selection.” But they are still generic and that is fine with me! How do you feel about generics? Can any of you really tell the difference between Land O Lakes butter and just generic butter?
Christine
Mar 30, 2012 @ 14:18:55
I am a manufacturers nightmare because I buy mostly house brands too. The exception is Jiff or Skippy peanut Butter. I use name brand when making my Easter eggs but eat house brand for a sandwich. I think there is a different taste. One of the other exception is Oreos and Fig Newtons have to have the real things. Butter I can’t tell the difference and I never had Amish butter.
Wendy
Mar 30, 2012 @ 14:19:02
Some products I like generic and some I don’t. I only buy Smucker’s natural peanut butter, but Costco butter… I’ll try most generic brands, but they have to measure up for me to get them a second time!
Carol
Mar 30, 2012 @ 14:26:40
Some things are very much the same – namebrand vs generic. But there are some generic items I have purchased that are lower quality than namebrands — even bought a few items that generic was better. You just have to watch what you purchase…sometimes you do get what you pay for. If the price is too low to be good, it probably isn’t.
Darlene Kistler-Alvord
Mar 30, 2012 @ 14:39:14
I shop a lot at Aldi and they do not carry ‘Name Brands’, everything is generic there, and I have never been disappointed.
Patti
Apr 02, 2012 @ 19:25:17
I also shop alot at Aldi’s…love that store…I buy alot of store brands…can’t really tell the difference…and yes Amish Butter is the best…but my Amish store had butter on sale and I bought alot…I only use real butter…but not the name brand…
Mona G.
Apr 05, 2012 @ 19:33:33
LAND O LAKES BUTTER relly is the best….and as for Mayonnaise, there are only 2 brands that I buy, KRAFT or HELLMAN’S which ever is on sale….as for Fig cookies, I agree it has to be NEWTONS….I have found several items at Aldi’s that I did not like….and would not buy again….their fruits and vegs. are fine and the price is good, but their mayo is terrible….their butter is ok for the price, but nothing beat Land O’ Lakes…..Kevin try it and you will see….I just found a recipe online to make butter, so I am going to make my own butter….I used to eat fresh butter when I was growing up….but you can not find that anymore…..and I hate margarine….. it’s like eating lard…..as for peanut butter, I only buy JIF, REESE, PETER PAN, & right now I have PLANTERS, and it just might be the best….will not buy off brand peanut butter…..
Mona G.
Apr 05, 2012 @ 19:34:42
Sorry, mispelled relly…should have been really….we could use an EDIT button on here Kevin 🙂