Why Sometimes it Pays to Buy Brand Name

In my new-found enthusiasm for all things frugal, I try to buy cheap whenever I go to the grocery store--in other words, my cart is full of store-brands. From canned soup to frozen veggies, personal care items to plastic wrap, I see no reason for paying for the name brand of the same product. Except...

In some cases, the store-brand product is a "false economy" (I have to credit Joe with that phrase). The name-brand product is simply better than the store brand--it either gives better results (as in the case of cleaning) or a better end product (when cooking a meal, for example). Joe and I call these "superior products." Plus, for some products, there is no equivalent store brand--but it may still pay off in the end to buy a slightly more expensive brand-name over a less-expensive one.

Here's our running list of "superior products":

- OxyClean Liquid Stain Remover: As stain removers go, nothing holds a candle to it. Got dried blood out of my favorite pair of white pants and blue paint out of C.'s hoodie.
- CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Sheer Moisturizing Makeup: I admit, as a soon-to-be 40 year old, I have totally bought into the Christie Brinkley marketing machine. She either made a deal with the devil or this stuff really works. I don't think it makes me look as good as her, but for my money it's as good or better than any department store foundation.
- Hellman's Light Mayo: There is no equivalent. Weird-textured store brands separate when cooking.
- Barilla Pasta Sauce: If it's good enough for all of Italy, it's good enough for the Bloe family. Doesn't taste like it has a ton of sugar in it.
- DeCecco Pasta (2nd runner up: Barilla): WILL NOT overcook.
- Dyson Vacuums: So powerful it sucks up our area rugs. You won't believe your carpets are this dirty.
- Turkey Hill Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: I am a connoisseur of mint chocolate chip ice creams, and Turkey Hill wins the taste test. Minty, milky, and even though the chocolate is faux, it's pretty convincingly chocolatey.

Of course, I always try to stock up when the name-brands I prefer go on sale, and combo the store savings with a coupon.
You can easily find out how to increase your coupon and in-store savings by joining www.thegrocerygame.com. The site tracks the cycles of sales at various grocery stores around the country. For the sale items at a store, the site tells you whether there is also a manufacturer's coupon for it from a recent Sunday circular.