How many off-brand items do you usually get?
As much as we sometimes try to justify an expensive purchase by saying that price is a marker for quality, that’s not true. However, there are cases where the cheapest product can sometimes result from cutting corners.
I’m all about saving and getting more with less, and while I get several generic items each time I go grocery shopping, it’s not always a smart idea to get off-brand items. Believe it or not, spending a little more on particular products from brands you know and trust can save you money in the long run. It sounds hard to believe, I know, but think about it for a second: you don’t need a refill or a replacement that soon.
So, if you want to spend less and get the most out of your products, here are the off-brand items you should stay away from:

1. Pet food
I’m pretty sure you want your furry family members to be healthy and happy, and one way to make that happen is by feeding them high-quality foods. No one said it’s easy or cheap to be a pet parent, but food isn’t the item to cut back on.
Pet food is one of the off-brand items you shouldn’t add to your cart because it can be tricky. You save money on your purchase, but it might harm your furry friend’s health. This will result in additional vet bills or medication to treat a potential disease.
Vets say that cheaper food that’s low in high-quality ingredients can cause skincare and health issues, especially for sensitive pets. A higher price might be hard to swallow, but if it benefits your pet and keeps problems at bay, it’s worth it.
2. Electronics
We continue with these off-brand items you shouldn’t add to your cart, and this time we’ll talk about electronics. Experts say that as good as it sounds to purchase laptops, smartphones, headphones, TVs, or tablets for cheap, they might not hold up as well as well-known name brands.
Moreover, the style, quality, longevity, and specifications are often far better, so it pays to spend more in the store and save over time rather than constantly upgrading your gadgets.
3. Tires
Another off-brand item you surely don’t want to cut corners on is your vehicle’s tires. Considering that these products are highly important for your ride, affecting your entire journey from safety to performance, it’s a smart idea to invest in high-quality name-brand tires. Choose a brand you trust, because there’s nothing more important than driving a car that’s safe and works as it’s supposed to.

4. Fitness apparel
Do you work out? Then you need to invest in high-quality products that are comfortable, easy to wash and dry, and that will also pass the test of time. Even though off-brand items are more affordable and often come in cute styles, the fabrics aren’t always skin-friendly, and your performance might suffer from it.
Fitness experts say that sometimes name-brand options are better for active people because they can help improve performance, are comfortable, help the skin breathe, last a long time, and also come in a variety of sizes, cuts, and colors.
5. Fitness shoes
Since we’ve previously talked about fitness apparel, it’s time to say a few things about athletic shoes as well, because they’re just as important. As you can probably imagine, these off-brand items could ruin your fitness goals.
I’ve been a runner for over a year now, and let me tell you that spending hundreds of dollars on a pair of running shoes is a hard pill to swallow. But the comfort you feel during the exercise period can’t be measured. My feet were fully supported, I didn’t feel any back pain, and those shoes even helped me run faster and longer, thanks to the materials and technology they were built with.
Long story short, name-brand shoes are more expensive than off-brand items, but they have a proven track record of durability, improved performance, comfort, and support. You don’t just buy the shoes you need for physical activity; you invest in a better experience and protect your health at the same time.
6. Hair care products
If you want long, healthy, and shiny hair, you need to treat it right. While some off-brand items work wonderfully for certain people, things might be different for you, which is why you need to understand your hair type and use the right products.
Beauty experts say that cheaper products can make your hair more tangled, cause split ends, give you dandruff, and cause an itchy scalp. This can result in money spent on treatments and salon visits, which will be more expensive than the right brand-name products for your hair type.
7. Dish soap
Did you know that spending more money on a bottle of dish soap can be more cost-effective in the long run? Some name-brand products are known for their incredible grease-cutting power, and thanks to their concentrated formula, you’ll use less quantity on a wash.
Of course, the price difference might be noticeable, but you won’t need to use lots of pumps to obtain enough foam and make your dishes sparkle. Speaking of effective dish soap, I recommend you check out this one. It smells nice, and you don’t need much to get rid of any grease.
8. Ice cream
If you crave something sweet, creamy, and delicious, ice cream might be exactly what you need. I recommend you get your favorite name-brand one, especially if it isn’t going to cut a hole in your budget. While some off-brand items can taste fairly good, they won’t have the delicious texture you crave, and the aroma might not be as strong.
Even if you spend extra dollars on a brand-name ice cream, you can indulge in it knowing that it’s made with better ingredients and an excellent flavor. Speaking of sweet treats, what’s your favorite ice cream? Mine is the S’mores one from Dairy Queen.

9. Toilet paper
Oh, yes, this is one of the most important ones. You might think that it’s better to get whatever cheap toilet paper you find in the store since it goes right down the toilet but think again. The cheaper these off-brand items are, the thinner and rougher the paper will be, meaning that you will use more.
If you don’t believe me, try this experiment: get the cheapest toilet paper you can find and write down how many days or weeks it lasts, then do the same thing with a name-brand one. The difference will be huge!
10. Cheese
Even if the price difference is quite noticeable, cheese is another off-brand item you should probably stay away from. The quality, taste, and texture of off-brand cheeses often don’t compare to their name-brand counterparts, which can significantly impact your culinary experience. I recommend you get a name-brand or a generic one from Costco, for instance, to enjoy a better flavor and better overall quality.
Do you know any other off-brand items that aren’t worth your buck? Let us know in the comments below, because we’re curious about your culinary and household preferences!
If you enjoyed reading this article and you’d like to check out something else from The Price Makers, here’s a good post for you: Best 9 Places to Go Shopping in Tampa, FL