Going Generic

Kroger brand, Publix brand, Walmart brand......you name it, I "heart" me some generic brands. Growing up, I did not know generic brands existed. And, why should I? My mom bought all the groceries. But, when I went to college, I discovered generic brands. You know, because I was on a college budget and all. I was amazed to find Kroger made a cheaper version of everything in the grocery store. Kroger brand cereal...check; Kroger brand soup....check; Kroger brand flour....check; Kroger brand paper towels....of course!! And, I bought all Kroger brand. Loved it!! I continued buying generic brands right through college and into graduate school. I definately had more important things to spend my money on than toilet tissue and food, you know.

Then, I married Rob.

And, I got a lesson on the differences in generic vs. name brand toilet tissue.

Living with a husband and a toddler, I have switched some of my generic products to the name brand. And, thanks to thegrocerygame.com, I can actually afford the name brand products at prices often lower than generics.

Here is a list of a few items that I cannot "Go Generic":

1. Toilet Tissue: About two days after my first grocery shopping trip as a married woman, Rob sweetly told me, "I appreciate you trying to save money and all, but we can afford to buy the good toilet tissue. Even if we have to cut back in other areas to get the good tissue, it will be worth it." And, how right he is. Bring on the Charmin and Cottonelle, people.

2. Trash Bags: After a few broken bags full of dirty diapers, I decided we needed to get a sturdier trash bag. And, thanks to my parents-in-law's membership at Costco, we now have enough Glad Force Flex trash bags to last us well into 2011.

3. Paper Towels: This was a tough switch. I just hate paying money for cleaning supplies. However, after Andrew began solid foods, I was using about 1/2 a roll a day of the generic brand. Now, thanks to thegrocerygame.com, I can get the good paper towels (Bounty and Kleenex Viva) for about the same price as the generic brand. And, they really are better at cleaning the messes that come along with a toddler.

4. Diapers: I am still figuring these out. Huggies work well for Andrew. And, I get coupons for them. And, they are not as expensive as Pampers. I tried the cheaper Luvs, but they did NOT work with Andrew's "plumbing", if you will. I have been a Huggies fan, until a few weeks ago, I bought Publix brand (I had a $5 off coupon). And, much to my surprise, they worked just as well as the Huggies. I am still wondering if buying diapers wholesale at Sam's is cheaper than the Publix brand. Does anyone know??

What about ya'll?? Are there any items that you have found that you have to buy name brand?? Or are there any products that you only buy generic??