When it comes to grocery shopping, brand loyalty often comes with a price tag. But are name brand ingredients always better—or are store brands the unsung heroes of the kitchen? In this taste test challenge, we put common pantry staples to the test and explore whether going generic can help you save money without compromising flavor. Plus, we’ll show you how to earn cashback through Rakuten when you stock up on your favorite groceries.
The Setup: Conducting a Fair Taste Test
To keep the results honest and unbiased, conduct a blind taste test. Prepare each item in its most basic form (e.g., plain pasta, unmelted cheese slices), label them anonymously, and invite friends or family to rate each one on flavor, texture, and appearance. For accurate comparisons, cook and present everything consistently.
Staple 1: Pasta (Dry Spaghetti)
Name Brand: Barilla
Store Brand: Target’s Good & Gather or Walmart’s Great Value
Many tasters found little to no difference in texture once cooked al dente. In some tests, store brands even held sauce better.
Staple 2: Tomato Sauce
Name Brand: Prego or Rao’s
Store Brand: Trader Joe’s Organic Marinara or Aldi’s Simply Nature
Store brands held up well, though premium name brands like Rao’s were noted for depth of flavor. However, many testers said it wasn’t worth double the cost for everyday meals.
Staple 3: Cheddar Cheese (Block or Shredded)
Name Brand: Kraft
Store Brand: Whole Foods 365 or Kroger’s Private Selection
Results varied: some store brands had a waxy texture, while others tasted nearly identical. Block cheese often scored higher than pre-shredded in both categories.
Staple 4: Ground Coffee
Name Brand: Starbucks or Dunkin’
Store Brand: Costco’s Kirkland Signature or Sam’s Club Member’s Mark
Blind tests often favored store brands for smoothness and balance—especially when cost was factored in.
Staple 5: Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Garlic Powder)
Name Brand: McCormick
Store Brand: Aldi, Walmart, or generic bulk spices
Freshness matters most with spices. If turnover is high, store brands perform just as well. For less-used spices, consider small containers or trusted spice retailers.
According to Consumer Reports, store-brand foods frequently match or surpass name brands in blind tests. Quality differences often come down to marketing—not ingredients.
Where Rakuten Comes In
When you buy groceries online from retailers like Walmart, Target, or Kroger, you can earn cashback just by starting your shopping trip through Rakuten. Cashback amounts vary by retailer and promotion, but it’s an easy way to reduce costs further—regardless of brand.
Tips for Smart Grocery Shopping
- Compare unit prices, not just shelf prices.
- Use digital coupons and store apps alongside Rakuten.
- Mix and match: splurge on what matters most to you, and save on staples that perform similarly across brands.
Final Verdict
Store brands have come a long way, and in many cases, they hold their own against national labels. With a little experimentation—and cashback apps like Rakuten—you can save more without sacrificing quality.
