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When you walk down the grocery store aisle, you see shelves packed with choices. Name brands sit next to store brands, and the price difference can be huge. But here’s something most shoppers don’t realize: many supermarket brands outsource their products to the same factories that make the name brands. That means you might be getting almost the same product for less money. This matters because it can help you save without giving up quality. And if you know which store brands share factories with name brands, you can shop smarter. Here’s what’s really going on behind the scenes.
1. Kirkland Signature (Costco)
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label, and it’s famous for quality. Many Kirkland products come from the same factories as big-name brands. For example, Kirkland’s batteries are made by the same company that makes Duracell. Their coffee is roasted by Starbucks. Even their diapers are rumored to come from the same plant as Huggies. This isn’t just a rumor—Costco has confirmed some of these partnerships. So, when you buy Kirkland, you’re often getting the same product as the name brand, just with a different label and a lower price. This is a big win for shoppers who want value without sacrificing quality.
2. Great Value (Walmart)
Walmart’s Great Value brand is everywhere. It covers everything from canned vegetables to cleaning supplies. Many Great Value products are made in the same factories as national brands. For example, some of their milk comes from the same dairies as well-known brands. Their peanut butter has been linked to the same plants that make Jif and Peter Pan. The taste and texture are often so close, most people can’t tell the difference. If you want to save money, Great Value is a solid choice. You get the same product, just without the fancy packaging.
3. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is known for its quirky branding and loyal fans. But here’s the secret: Trader Joe’s doesn’t own factories. Instead, it outsources almost everything. Many of its products are made by the same companies that supply name brands. For example, their pita chips are made by the same company that makes Stacy’s Pita Chips. Their yogurt comes from the same dairies as popular brands. Trader Joe’s keeps its suppliers secret, but food industry insiders have confirmed these connections. So, when you buy Trader Joe’s, you’re often getting a name-brand product in a different package.
4. 365 by Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods’ 365 brand is its answer to affordable organics. Many 365 products are made in the same facilities as name brands. For example, their almond milk is produced by the same company that makes Silk. Their pasta comes from the same Italian factories as premium brands. This means you can get organic and natural foods at a lower price, without losing quality. If you’re shopping at Whole Foods, don’t skip the 365 section. You might be surprised at how much you can save.
5. Up & Up (Target)
Target’s Up & Up brand covers everything from paper towels to vitamins. Many of these products are made by the same manufacturers as name brands. For example, their baby formula is produced by the same company that makes Similac. Their cleaning products come from the same plants as Clorox. Target works with top suppliers to ensure quality. So, when you buy Up & Up, you’re often getting the same thing as the name brand, just for less money. This is a smart way to stretch your budget.
6. Aldi’s Store Brands
Aldi is famous for its low prices, but many shoppers don’t know why. Aldi’s store brands are often made in the same factories as name brands. For example, their chips are made by the same company that makes Lay’s. Their cereals come from the same plants as Kellogg’s. Aldi keeps its suppliers secret, but food industry experts have traced the origins. The result? You get the same taste and quality, but you pay less. Aldi’s business model relies on this approach, and it works.
7. Safeway’s Signature Select
Safeway’s Signature Select brand is another example. Many of these products are made by the same companies that supply national brands. For example, their ice cream is produced by the same dairy that makes Breyers. Their canned vegetables come from the same plants as Del Monte. Safeway uses its buying power to negotiate with top suppliers. This means you can get name-brand quality at a store-brand price. If you shop at Safeway, Signature Select is worth a look.
8. Kroger Brand
Kroger is one of the largest grocery chains in the U.S. Their store brand covers almost every product category. Many Kroger products are made in the same factories as name brands. For example, their cheese is produced by the same company that makes Kraft. Their bread comes from the same bakeries as Wonder Bread. Kroger’s size allows it to work with top suppliers. This means you get the same quality, but you pay less. If you want to save money, Kroger’s store brand is a smart choice.
Why Knowing This Can Save You Money
Understanding which supermarket brands outsource to the same factories as name brands can change the way you shop. You don’t have to pay more for a name when the product inside is almost the same. This knowledge helps you make better choices and keep more money in your pocket. Next time you’re at the store, check the store brand. You might be surprised at what you find.
Have you ever compared a store brand to a name brand and noticed no difference? Share your experience in the comments.
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