Why the Wealthy Are Ditching Name Brands—And How Copycat Swaps Can Snag You 30% Off on Everyday Essentials

It’s not just families on a budget—these days, even high earners are dumping famous-name brands for cheaper, store-brand “copycats.” With inflation still burning and price tags jumping, big spenders are joining everyone else in hunting for the same savings moves. So, how can you pocket those easy 30% discounts on the basics you buy every week? Here’s the simple switch the wealthy have already made—plus how you can do it, too.

1. The Major Switch—Store Brands Take Over the Cart

Swapping name brands for store brands used to have a stigma, but not anymore. In 2024, 99.9% of U.S. households bought private label products—that means nearly everyone, regardless of income, is getting in on the savings (GlobeNewswire).

“Nearly every household in the U.S. purchases store brands, breaking old stereotypes.”

Why? The gap between private labels and name-brand prices has ballooned by 38% since 2019, with shoppers now forking over more than $2 extra on average when they stick with big names (GlobeNewswire). Swapping to copycats is an instant 30% pay cut—for your grocery bill, not your paycheck.

• Start with pantry basics (rice, cereal, pasta) the next time you shop
• Compare one or two items’ ingredient lists on the shelf

Try the swap and watch the receipt shrink. Now, let’s see if the quality measures up.

2. Copycat Quality: Are Store Brands Really as Good?

More than 75% of shoppers say store brands are just as good—or better—than big names (PR Newswire), and taste tests prove it: from cereals to snacks, most folks can’t spot the difference (CBS News).

“In blind taste tests, people rated store and name-brand snacks nearly the same in flavor and crunch.”

Today’s private labels have lost the bargain-basement look—many rival brand names in both packaging and taste (Simon-Kucher). If your family is loyal to a laundry detergent or a favorite snack, challenge them to a head-to-head home trial.

• Pick one staple this week and buy both the store and brand name
• Set up a taste or use test at home (bonus: make it fun for kids)

If you can’t tell the difference, your wallet will.

3. The Store Brand Boom: More Choices, More Savings

The vultures aren’t circling—smart retailers are. Walmart’s Bettergoods now lands in 1 out of every 5 homes, and Target’s Dealworthy is on track too, showing that these aren’t generic knockoffs; they’re premium products backed by big chains (GlobeNewswire).

“Store-brand spending has shifted toward premium lines—now 40% of all private-label sales.”

You don’t have to sacrifice quality—or choice—to go generic in 2025. From eco-friendly paper towels to organic frozen meals, your local aisles are stacked with options. And with Gen Z projected to spend almost 20% of their budget on store brands, this is a lasting trend, not a passing fad (Retail Dive).

• Scan your favorite retailer’s website or app for in-house “premium” brands
• Check for organic, specialty diet, and sustainable labels on store brands

Keep an eye out on your next errand for those copycat lines—all the quality, none of the markup.

4. The Bottom Line—How Much Can You Save?

This is where your wallet feels it most: Shoppers who switch can slash 15–50% off grocery costs. That’s a $20–$60 savings every week for a family of four—over $2,000 a year (PLMA).

“Americans pocketed $40 billion last year just by switching to store brands.”

Try swapping even a handful of name brand items for store brands and track the difference on your receipts for a month.

• Highlight savings with highlighter pens to make the benefit visible
• Share tricks with friends or neighbors on social media

The more items you switch, the bigger your end-of-year bonus—no employer required.

5. National Brands Are Taking Notice—And You Should, Too

Bigger savings and better store options are shaking up the landscape. Even brands like Nestlé and Unilever are pausing price hikes because households are defecting to store brands (Reuters).

“Rising sales of store brands are causing some national brands to rethink their prices.”

When you try a copycat swap, you’re not alone—you’re joining a national movement and forcing big companies to compete for your business.

• Watch for future price cuts or special deals as big brands fight to keep shoppers
• Stay flexible; keep comparing prices every six months

It’s your money—don’t give it away just for a familiar logo.

Conclusion: High-income households have started making the switch, but the earliest and biggest wins are still for families who shop smart and pocket what they save. Make your first copycat swap today—start with just one item, and keep the extra dollars working for you instead of the brand’s bottom line.