Are These The Brand Names Hidden Behind Generic Store Labels?

Store Brand: Costco’s Kirkland Signature Coffee
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $14.89*
Verdict: Confirmed

Starbucks coffee has been around so long that it’s managed to solidify a reputation as a premium blend. Not only do customers flock to its stores daily to get their java fix, but they can also pick up a bag to take home with them. While it’s convenient, there are better deals at Costco. 

Starbucks @Leah Ingram/fooddrinklife.com

Costco partnered with the chain to produce their own brand of Kirkland Signature Coffee that’s “custom roasted by Starbucks.” For just $14.89, customers can pick up a 2-and-a-half pound bag of the caffeinated brown stuff. That’s the same quality product for a much better price. 

There’s a reason why so many people flock to buy the Starbucks brand. It’s tried, tested, and loved across the world, making this a very smart business partnership. In 2019 alone, Starbucks took over $26.5 billion in revenue globally. Costco is smart to get a slice of the pie.  

Store Brand: ALDI’s Millville Cereal (Cinnamon Crunch Squares)
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $1.79*
Verdict: Unconfirmed

Breakfast lovers go wild for General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but it’s not always a cheap product to buy on the regular. A box of the tasty cereal comes in at around $3.64* at Walmart, but avid bargain hunters are convinced the product is identical to Aldi’s Millville Cinnamon Crunch Squares which can be bought for a fraction of the cost. 

Cinnamon Toast Crunch @hip2save/Facebook

Some argue that they can’t tell the difference, while others think that the name might indicate they’re made in the same place. It looks like this is just a coincidence as neither Aldi nor General Mills have ever confirmed there’s any link between the two.   

However, if General Mills did own up to the partnership then their own much-loved cereals would probably take a massive hit. Either way, if you love the taste and want to save some precious coins for your next cereal haul, making a switch to the cheaper version just makes sense.

Store Brand: Walmart’s Great Value White Bread
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $0.84*
Verdict: Confirmed

The former Tyson Foods company Sara Lee produces a ton of different products that end up on our shelves. From frozen goods to bread, it’s not a small business. That being said, their bakeries are huge, but they don’t package Sara Lee items alone. In fact, Walmart’s Great Value White Bread is made in the same place. 

Sara Lee @Sara Lee Bread/Facebook | Walmart//Twitter

Next time you pick up a loaf of Sara Lee’s Classic White Bread and think it’s better quality, you may want to switch it over. Sara Lee’s near-identical product is $1.98, while Walmart’s own brand is just $0.84. 

That’s a saving of $1.10 which isn’t to be sniffed at. According to South Florida Reporter, the average American consumes a whopping 53 pounds of bread a year. When you calculate the difference in cost between a loaf of Sara Lee and a loaf of Walmart’s own, it’s a no-brainer.

Store Brand: Costco’s Kirkland Supreme Diapers
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $0.16*
Verdict: Unconfirmed

Busy moms and dads on the run often feel like they have to pay more to get better quality products for their children. However, that may not always be the case. Eagle-eyed shoppers claim that Costco’s Kirkland Supreme Diapers are almost exactly the same as Kimberly-Clark’s Huggies. 

Huggies ©goodmeowsk/Twitter | The Image Party/Shutterstock.com

It’s thought that babies use 2,5000 diapers on average in their first year alone, making diapers one of the most costly items parents have to buy. Costco’s version of the popular baby brand works out at just $0.16 per diaper. Despite heavy speculation the diapers are made by Huggies, the partnership remains unconfirmed. 

They’re similar in design, but some moms (including popular blogging site My Mom’s a Nerd), claim that the Costco version is around 30% less absorbent as Huggies. The price difference between the two still makes it an unmissable deal for parents trying to put more in the college fund and less in the trash. 

Store Brand: Trader Joe’s Pita Chips
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $1.99*
Verdict: Unconfirmed

Pepsi-owned Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips are the perfect addition to any party, but they’re a pricy $3.99 a bag. Consumers are paying that price, but if you’re buying more than one it can be an expensive way to go – especially when Trader Joe’s has the exact same thing for $1.99. 

Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips - Trader Joe’s Pita Chips @webstaurantstore | @abillion/Pinterest.com

According to the website Eater, the ingredients in Stacy’s and Trader Joe’s pita chips are exactly the same. Not only do they look similar, but they have the same great taste. They’re just in a different bag. However, with no obvious ties between the two brands this may just be a happy coincidence. 

It wouldn’t be the first time that a grocery chain has seen a popular product and decided to do its own version of it. It happens all the time, although it isn’t always done well. In this case, Trader Joe’s may have just hopped on the bandwagon. If so, it’s worked well for them!

Store Brand: Trader Joe’s Organic Macaroni & Cheese
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $2.99*
Verdict: Unconfirmed

Macaroni and Cheese is a staple dish in many American households. Loved by college kids and grandparents alike, it’s an easy, cheap go-to meal. It’s hardly surprising that numerous different companies have created their own take on the classic dish. General Mills makes Annie’s Homegrown Organic Macaroni & Cheese. 

Annie’s Homegrown Organic Macaroni & Cheese @annieshomegrown/Instagram | Rachel DeGraba c o o k/pinterest

It’s a well-known fact among mac and cheese lovers that Trader Joe’s version tastes very similar to Annie’s, but are they made in the same place? Many buyers speculate that it is, but this is a rumor that hasn’t been acknowledged by either company. Trader Joe’s doesn’t have their own factory according to SFGate, so who knows?

If that’s the case, then it makes sense that numerous Trader Joe’s products (perhaps including this one) are made at the same locations as popular big brand names. The packaging might be slightly different, but you can’t judge a book by its cover – or mac and cheese by its box! 

Store Brand: ALDI’s Benton cookies
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $0.95*
Verdict: Unconfirmed

Girl Scout Cookies are such an important part of American tradition that families go wild for the sweet snacks, which are only available for six to eight weeks out of the year. Fans were elated to discover that Aldi sells very similar cookies all year round under their Benton brand. 

Girl Scout cookies @Girl Scouts/Twitter | Hip2Save/Twitter

At just $0.95 per box, Thin Mint lovers can snap up a box of Fudge Mint Cookies, or expand to Peanut Butter Filled Cookies (near-identical to Tagalongs), or Caramel Coconut Fudge (just like Samoas). There’s no obvious connection between Girl Scout Cookies and Aldi’s own brand, but it wouldn’t be the first time imitation cookies were found in the store. Other products similar to Kellogg’s can also be found on the super-grocer’s shelves.

Aldi makes a large portion of its profit from peddling items that are similar in taste and in packaging to its shoppers at a fraction of the price of the original. From cereals that taste like General Mills to greek yogurt and more, Benton cookies are just another jewel in the Aldi crown. 

Store Brand: Wegmans Italian Classics Organic Marinara Sauce
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $2.49*
Verdict: Confirmed

Finding an authentic Italian marinara sauce can be tricky, especially when you’re shopping on a budget. Fans of Barilla’s can pick up three jars of their Classic Marinara Tomato Pasta Sauce from Walmart for $5.26, so Wegman’s own Italian Classics Organic Marinara Sauce isn’t a much better deal. 

Barilla Marinara Sauce @onehappyhousewife/Facebook | Open Food Facts//Twitter

One 23.5 ounce jar of their product is $2.49, but it’s actually made by the same people that make Barilla. Wegmans’ product does say it’s organic though, which might be why it has an added cost when compared to Barilla items available to purchase from other stores.

However, if you go by the editors of Martha Stewart’s website, Barilla Marinara Sauce isn’t the best one on the market no matter how much you pay for it. They claim Rao’s Marinara Sauce reigns supreme, but it’s also more costly at $6.98 a pop. That’s quite the price jump! 

Store Brand:Whole Foods’ Bittersweet Chocolate Pecan Pie
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $14.99*
Verdict: Confirmed

There’s nothing quite like a pecan pie to top off any occasion. Back in 2017, Amazon’s Whole Foods sold New York-based bakery Four & Twenty Blackbirds’ pie especially for the holiday season. The Bittersweet Chocolate Pecan Pie wowed customers who were lucky enough to find it in the Whole Foods bakery section. 

Four & Twenty Blackbirds @birdsblack/Instagram | wholefoodsmarket/Twitter

It wasn’t exactly the cheapest dessert out there at $14.99, but for a festive treat it worked well and delighted shoppers. The partnership between the family-owned bakery and Whole Foods was well documented, with a special press release on the grocery chain’s website.

“The nine-inch Bittersweet Chocolate Pecan Pie is available nationwide and made from a special recipe combining pecans and 72 percent bittersweet chocolate in a rich custard,” reads the website. Considering the taste sensation you got for the price, it was a breakaway hit for the holiday season. Let’s hope they bring it back. 

Store Brand: Trader Joe’s Organic Vegetarian Chili
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $1.99*
Verdict: Confirmed

Campbell’s makes chili, as do a variety of other brands. But, when it comes to vegetarian organic chili, most shoppers turn to Amy’s Kitchen. While Amy’s is a much-loved brand by many consumers who prefer high-quality ingredients, it doesn’t come cheap. 

Amy’s Organic Trader Joe’s Organic Vegetarian Chili ©bigboxvegan/Instagram | Amy's Kitchen/Facebook

On the other hand, Trader Joe’s Organic Vegetarian Chili is just $2 per can and made in the same factory. Not only does it taste almost exactly the same, but it’s way cheaper than the premium brand. It has good reviews across the board from vegetarians for being superior in taste to many offerings from competitors without breaking the bank.  

Vegetarianism and veganism is steadily on the rise in the United States. At the end of last year, a reported 6% of consumers were strictly anti-animal products, compared to just 1% back in 2014. That being said, Trader Joe’s are clearly onto a winner with this one and catering to the growing market. 

Store Brand: Trader Joe’s Very Green Juice Smoothie
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $2.99*
Verdict: Unconfirmed

Smoothies have always been popular, but over the past few years the health food trend has skyrocketed to a new level. Pepsi’s Naked Juice line has never been more on-trend. The brand’s Green Machine flavor is frequently bought, but at $6.94 for a 64 ounce bottle, it’s not the cheapest thing on the market. 

Naked Juice Green Machine - Trader Joe's Very Green Juice Smoothie @Miranda Johnson | @Margarita Cortez / Pinterest.com

That’s where Trader Joe’s comes in. Their Very Green Juice Smoothie packs the same punch as Naked’s, with a lot of the same ingredients. Both products contain pineapple, spirulina, wheat grass, ginger, and more, leading some smoothie lovers to think it’s also secretly made by Pepsi. 

The connection has never been confirmed, but the packaging is also similar which further raises suspicion among consumers. While some criticize juice products for being high in naturally occurring sugar, they’re packed full of fruits and veggies which can help you reach your 5 a day if you’re in a pinch.  

Store Brand: ALDI’s Tuscan Garden Italian Dressing
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $1.62*
Verdict: Unconfirmed

Darden’s Olive Garden chain of restaurants lures diners in with its special range of Italian dishes, but the company also has its own brand of take-home products available in stores. One of the most popular items is Olive Garden’s Signature Italian Dressing. 

Olive Garden’and ALDI’s Dressing | @hip2save / Pinterest.com

Many food bloggers soon realized that there was a striking resemblance between Aldi’s Tuscan Garden Italian Dressing and Olive Garden’s original product. Not only do the bottles look very similar, but the taste is a near-perfect dupe. At this point, it’s just speculation but there’s no denying that Aldi’s $1.62 price tag looks incredibly appealing. 

The average diner spends close to $20 dollars per person per visit at Olive Garden for a taste of the med, so buying a bottle of Aldi’s salad dressing will certainly lessen the pinch. Eating out can be supremely expensive, so any opportunity to bring the experience home is a good one. 

Store Brand: Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Pretzel Slims
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $2.99*
Verdict: Unconfirmed

What’s better than chocolate combined with pretzels? Nothing can top that salty/sweet combo, and when Trader Joe’s are selling the tasty snack for just $2.99, it’s a must have. Any busy parent knows the key to a happy kid free of complaints is a pantry stuffed to the gills with snacks. 

Snack Factory Dark Chocolate Crunch Pretzel Crisps @Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps/Facebook | Ambitious Kitchen/Facebook

Shoppers often notice that Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Pretzel Slims look and taste very similar to Snack Factory’s Dark Chocolate Crunch Pretzel Crisps. Not only are they the same price, but they appear to have some of the same ingredients. However, Snack Factory has never taken responsibility for the Trader Joe’s version. 

Snack Factory does have a slight advantage over Trader Joe’s when it comes to the entire pretzel market as they have multiple different flavors on offer. The company produces almost any type you can think of, from Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper to Honey Mustard and Onion and Buffalo Wing Deli Style. 

Store Brand: Trader Joe’s Organic Animal Crackers
Store Brand Price Per Unit: $2*
Verdict: Unconfirmed

Animal crackers are nostalgic for many people that grew up having them at snack times, only to pass that tradition down to their own kids. Stauffer’s are the go-to brand for many consumers, but they can cost close to $3 per pack. Trader Joe’s own brand is organic and much cheaper. 

Stauffer’s Original Animal Crackers @Grocery Outlet (405 Butler Avenue, Monroe, WA)/Facebook | ahundredaffections/Twitter

According to animal cracker lovers, there’s no difference in taste. There’s no hard evidence to suggest that the two brands are linked in any way, but it’s not unheard of for consumers to speculate there’s a link – especially when both products taste so good. 

Many different companies have produced their own version of animal crackers besides these two, including Costco. Although this snack feels quintessentially American, they actually originated from England in the 1800s. Stauffer has been making them since 1871, becoming a household brand thanks to this savvy business move that’s kept them on the map.