Some generic stuff is actually better than the name brand...

If you’re a sucker for name brand products – you might want to rethink that non-generic purchase...

Sure, that generic item will probably save you a little money – but it could also actually be BETTER than the name brand. Here are a few generic items for your list:

• Juice: In many cases, the generic is actually better than the national brand because it is produced regionally and involves less processing and transportation.

• Cereal: Those colorful boxes and effective advertising of the favorite brands wind up coming out of your wallet. Most generic versions look and taste exactly like the name brand. If your kid just HAS to have his favorite – consider the old switcheroo trick with the box – it could save you as much as 50%.

• Cooking staples: Sugar, salt and spices must live up to the same FDA requirements regardless of the label. There is very little a big name can do to change a basic ingredient – other than charge more for it.

• Cleaning supplies: Name brand and generic bleach, detergents and oven cleaners have little or no variation with the ingredients. Unless you’re buying it just for the smell or the label – go generic.