Rossen Reports: How do store brands compare to name brands in blind test?

For some, prices at the grocery store are still too high to stomach. One of the biggest ways to save is by buying generic. On average, generic groceries cost about 40% less than name-brand ones. Rossen Reports showed just how much you can save in a test last summer. Watch that video here.But we know what you’re thinking — you probably don’t want to spend the money on something that might not taste “as good” or work “as well.” So Rossen Reports decided to put it to the test, trying name brand versus generic groceries back-to-back to settle the debate. Watch the test in the video above.Experts say you don’t have to buy all generic. Just substitute a few items on your list each time to bring down your bill. Here's a list of food that you can buy generic and probably won’t notice the difference, according to experts.Baking ingredients: There are only so many ways to sell basic ingredients like flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Why not save serious cash and buy generic?Spices: FDA registration is required for spices, which means all brands probably taste similar. Studies have shown even professional chefs use generic, too.Frozen vegetables and frozen fruit: Experts say these tend to taste the same no matter what name is on the packaging.Water: Buying a generic version of water that’s filtered similarly to name-brand water will save you a lot of money.Cereal: Experts claim that in some taste tests, generic brands tested well against their name-brand counterparts. If you read the labels and find that the ingredients are similar, why not try it out for yourself?Rice: This is one you can always dress up with spices and sauces. So why spend more when you’re covering up the taste anyway?Pasta: Another food that you cover up with sauce. So you can save a few cents and dollars here too.Here are some tips for buying generic that might help:Compare ingredients: Look at the ingredients on both labels and do a little compare and contrast. For some of your favorite products, you’ll see there are the same or very similar ingredients on both the generic and name-brand groceries.Swap one in your cart: Just replace one or two products each time you shop. If you bring it home and don’t like it, you know that’s not the one to swap next time. Just swapping a couple here and there will save you.Switch one in your recipe: Take a look at your recipe. Swap one or two ingredients in your recipe. The other ingredients should cover up if the flavor is different.Dress it up: Use spices you have at home to dress up generic groceries.