The concept of generic brands might be unfamiliar to some shoppers, but they are everywhere and they offer a major benefit to consumers. Toward this end, generic brands are products that are sold without a widely-known name or logo. These products are generally less expensive than name brands, and they usually feature plain packaging and labels.

It is estimated that generic brands make up about half of the consumer packaged goods in the United States. In the pharmaceutical field, generic brands are created when the patent of a brand-name drug expires. These generic drugs are the same strength and dosage as their name-brand counterparts, but much less expensive.

Generic brands are a great way for consumers to save money, but there are some drawbacks. It is difficult to know the source of generic brands because they have no labeling directly tied to the company that produces them. This would be an issue for anyone who is committed to buying organic, fair trade products.

Another disadvantage of generic brands is that they can sell you a product that doesn’t guarantee quality. Generic brands offer lower prices usually because there’s not as much advertising and emphasis on the production. This can mean they may use cheaper or potentially less effective ingredients, so it’s worth comparing the ingredients list between a name brand and generic brand alternative.

Nevertheless, generic brands have become more popular amongst consumers seeking to reduce their grocery bills. With more retailers now offering their own generic brand products, it is easier for consumers to find good quality generic items for a fraction of the price of branded options. Ultimately, generic brands offer a reliable way for shoppers to save money without sacrificing quality.