Store brands gain popularity as grocery prices rise

Aug 26, 2026

Higher grocery bills are pushing more shoppers toward store brands, which is good for supermarkets and budget-conscious families but bad for big-name food companies.

  • Almost half of shoppers bought more store-brand products over the past year, and 92% keep some at home.
  • Younger shoppers are leading the shift, with Gen Z and millennials switching fastest.
  • Price is the main driver, but most shoppers now say taste and quality are good enough too.
  • The savings are biggest on cleaning supplies, paper products, over-the-counter medicine, and personal care items.
  • Some generic goods, including milk and dairy, come out of the same plants as the branded versions.

Outlook: The move to store brands looks permanent, since most shoppers say they would stick with them even if food prices came back down.

← Latest · Archive