Store Brands vs. Brand Names

[SouthernBelle]

I'm surprised at the Kroger comments as my local one is immaculate. I think part of that may be proximity to headquarters. When the big dogs are apt to come into the store, things tend to stay nice. I've noticed that with other companies as well.

I use the McDaniels coffee as well.

I buy my meat at a local market though.

I was so excited when we got a Publix. But I was disappointed as I find their prices high overall. But one good side effect was that the competition drove some Kroger prices down.

I will generally try generics where available. One notable exception is that my cola must be Coke.

[OakLeaf]

part of that may be proximity to headquarters.

A lot of it is "what part of town," also, I think. I've heard more than once that produce that's too wilted for the ritzy suburban groceries is moved to the inner city stores, and discarded only if it doesn't sell the second time around.

In Ohio, Kroger is the "top end" grocery, but I think our Krogers are a separate corporation from the West Coast ones.

I don't buy a lot of processed food, plus corporate ethics matter to me as much as quality (they usually go hand in hand anyway) - so generic foods are pretty rare in my house. Baking soda, yeah (but most of it goes in the laundry ).

I do use pharmaceuticals (yeah, I know I shouldn't, but I do) - OTC painkillers and allergy medicine I'll always buy generic unless the brand name's on sale for less. With prescription drugs, I'll get generic only if it's the identical drug. No "bioequivalents."

Well, it's too rainy to ride, but the bright side of that is I get to go to the farmers' market - so I'm off. No generics there!