Know Which Store Brands Are Actually Repackaged Name Brands

Sometimes store brand items just don’t compare to the real thing. When you have a craving for a specific food or snack, an imitation won’t suffice.

So we shell out the extra cash for name brands, knowing that while our wallets are suffering for it, our taste buds are rejoicing.

Did you know, though, that several store brand items are simply rebranded name brands to be sold under a “private label” at a fraction of the cost? This is more common than you think.

To a degree, often we are fooled by the placebo effect that brand recognition has on us, which makes us think that big brands always taste better or are of better quality. While that may be true in some cases, check out some of these store brand items that are repackaged name brands sold for much cheaper!

Walmart

Many are familiar with the Great Value line of products. But Walmart doesn’t produce any goods of their own. Great Value items are manufactured by ConAgra and Sara Lee, and then slapped with Walmart’s store brand label.

• Great Value Peanut Butter is manufactured by the same company as Peter Pan, and sold for two cents less per ounce.
• A loaf of Great Value White Bread goes for $1.48 at Walmart, but it is made by Sara Lee who sells their own brand of the same bread for $2.28.

Costco

If you are a card-carrying Costco member, you know about their Kirkland Signature brand. But did you know that most of those items are manufactured by big name brands and sold at a steep discount?

• Costco’s CEO revealed in an interview that Kirkland batteries are made by Duracell.
• If your local Costco sells liquor, take note that Kirkland Signature French Vodka is made in the same building as Grey Goose Vodka, and sold for pennies on the dime.
• Some selections of Kirkland Signature coffee beans are roasted by Starbucks. This one is less of a secret — it says so on the label!

Trader Joe’s

Contrary to popular belief, Trader Joe’s doesn’t make its own products. They source items from well-known brands to be sold under their own private label.

• Trader Joe’s Pita Chips are virtually identical to Stacy’s Pita Chips and sold for a dollar less.
• Trader Joe’s Organic Vegetarian Chili is speculated to be repackaged Amy’s Organic Medium Chili and sold for $1.20 less.
• If you love Annie’s Organic Shells & White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, then you’ll definitely want to save over two dollars a box and go for Trader Joe’s Organic Shells & White Cheddar instead.