When do you buy "generics"?

@TheHorse (231200)
Walnut Creek, California
October 9, 2025 12:06pm CST
I was just at the grocery store, staring at a bottle of Windex. The cost was something like $5.50. Kitty's sliding glass cat door is quite streaky. Then my @Porwest Trump University brain kicked in. To the right of the Windex was a bottle of generic Safeway window cleaner.The cost was $3.50. I snatched up the generic and headed to the counter, along with my paper towel (generic) and wine (Barefoot). I often buy generic stuff. I usually can't tell the difference between it and name-brand stuff. When do you buy generics? And when do you "only" go with name-brand (advertising-driven) products?
13 people like this
13 responses
Amber
@AmbiePam (103996)
• United States
14h
Well, I still buy Swiffer wet pads because the generic was so inefficient I ended up wasting my money. But OTC meds I buy generic, spices I buy generic, cooking soups like cream of mushroom I buy generic…Toilet paper I used to buy generic, until I did the math, and at least at my store, I got more for my money with the name brand toilet paper. It is also nicer to my rear end.
4 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (231200)
• Walnut Creek, California
14h
What are those? "Swiffer wet pads"
2 people like this
Lenore Plassman
@sallypup (66259)
• Centralia, Washington
13h
@AmbiePam Not going into detail- ha ha- but generic toilet paper is the pits. Tons too thin. I still have some and detest it. Not doing that again.
3 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (231200)
• Walnut Creek, California
13h
@sallypup Ms Horse liked wet wipes. But she was killed by the surprise projectile birth of a baby elephant at the Oakland Zoo. I just use paper towel.
3 people like this
Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (49430)
•
14h
I buy generic items often. The Windex thing...I discovered Dollar Tree sells half gallons of window cleaner for $1.25 No sprayer, just a jug. But I just fill up the bottle I already have, it works great, and is a LOT cheaper than buying name brand Windex. Generic canned vegetables, tomatoes, green beans, etc.--they are just fine. I buy a lot of ALDI items as their house brand is great and a lot cheaper.
3 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (231200)
• Walnut Creek, California
14h
Thanks for the info. I tend to buy my laundry soap and dish soap from Dollar Tree.
1 person likes this
snowy
@snowy22315 (197155)
• United States
11h
I only buy name brand if there is some kind of super deal going on.
1 person likes this
snowy
@snowy22315 (197155)
• United States
8h
@TheHorse as long as it has the same basic ingredients they are very similar.
The Horse
@TheHorse (231200)
• Walnut Creek, California
11h
I think it's all "the same stuff."
1 person likes this
Anne Marie Guyer
@LeaPea2417 (38538)
• Toccoa, Georgia
7h
I buy lots of generics items.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (231200)
• Walnut Creek, California
6h
I think they are largely the same as "brand name" stuff.
Lenore Plassman
@sallypup (66259)
• Centralia, Washington
13h
It depends. I like Safeway generics but have had not so great experience with Walmart generic. And what is in the product? Is it the same stuff?
2 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (231200)
• Walnut Creek, California
13h
I always wonder if it is the same stuff. I had a bad experience with some soup or another at Dollar Tree. I do not buy food there.
2 people like this
NJ Chicaa
@NJChicaa (124970)
• United States
13h
I often buy store brand food items like crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, club soda, butter, frozen vegetables, canned beans, pasta, etc. I tend to stick with brand names for personal care and cleaning products.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (231200)
• Walnut Creek, California
13h
Is personal care like shampoo? I just get whatever smells OK to me.
1 person likes this
NJ Chicaa
@NJChicaa (124970)
• United States
13h
@TheHorse Yes--soap, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, etc.
Heather Echola
@GardenGerty (166006)
• United States
8h
I buy generics whenever they are available, unless I have a really good coupon. Instead of your paper towels, black and white newsprint is said to shine the windows even better.
BarBaraPrz
@BarBaraPrz (50429)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
10h
I buy generics when they're cheaper than brand names.
Judy Story
@jstory07 (146124)
• Roseburg, Oregon
13h
With cleaning stuff the generic is just as good. With some food I buy the name brand.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (231200)
• Walnut Creek, California
11h
I will never buy "food" from Dollar Tree again. I am still alive by the grace of God.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (484622)
• Italy
Just now
I always and only buy generics, not only I cannot tell the difference, but often the generic proved to do a better job. Cheap white vinegar mixed to water (equal parts) is the best to clean glass.
Eva James
@wolfgirl569 (123338)
• Marion, Ohio
10h
Most of the time if there is a generic version I get it.
RasmaSandra
@RasmaSandra (89652)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
11h
I mostly buy Great Value the store brand from Walmart and have found I really enjoy their stuff and for a lot less money, I don't need the company brand,m
LooeyVille
@LooeyVille (55)
• United States
11h
I always buy Generics or store-brand as opposed to name-brand. Members Mark is Sam's Club. Equate is Wal-Mart. Private Selection is Kroger.