Are Your Favorite Store Brands Secretly Made by Big Brands?

Want to get more out of favorite store brands secretly without the guesswork? Below we walk through the essentials in plain language, with practical steps you can use right away.

Key Takeaways

• Home > Pointers > Pointers Are Your Favorite Store Brands Secretly Made by Large Brands?
• Prices and availability are accurate as of time posted.
• We did a bit of digging on some off-brand items to discover!
• Worth noting: headed to the grocery store?

How Favorite Store Brands Secretly Really Works

By Sara | Staff Writer Jun 30, 2026 @ 12:13 PM MDT Hip2Save may earn a small commission at no added cost to you via trusted partners and in this post. Read this store brand vs. name brand comparison first.

• We all know that sometimes store brands don’t compare to name brands.
• Though, did you know that numerous store brands are actually manufactured under a “private label” by large brand companies and sold at a fraction of the cost?
• More importantly, instead of paying more for the same or a similar product, check out a few off-brand items that we found to be just as solid as their competition!
• NOTE: Manufacturers rarely confirm who makes store-brand products, so while some of these pairings are confirmed, others are based on strong evidence and industry research.

Getting the Most From Favorite Store Brands Secretly

Suppliers can also change over time, so apply this list as a fun guide, not a guarantee! 😉 These store brands are made by name brands: 1. ALDI’s Millville cereals are made by General Mills.

• Remember that aLDI’s Millville Cinnamon Crunch Cereal $3.19 - versus -  General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch $5.29 You save $2.10!
• We’ve heard ALDI’s Millville brand was manufactured exclusively for the grocery chain by the large brand, General Mills.
• Though, according to Mashed, rumors say that the Millville cereals are actually manufactured by Malt-O-Meal, which is owned by Post.
• Whether the true manufacturer is General Mills or Post, this example just goes to reveal that you don’t require to pay for name brands when you can save large bucks on store brands!

Tips That Make a Difference

As a rule, aLDI’s Benton cookies taste just like Girl Scout Cookies. ALDI’s Benton’s Caramel Coconut Fudge Cookies $2.75 - versus - Girl Scout Cookies (all flavors) $6 You save $3.25!

• Get your Girl Scout cookie cravings all year long at ALDI!
• Under the brand name Benton’s, you can find three of the best Girl Scout cookie-inspired flavors - Tagalongs, and Samoas.
• In short, and the best part is ALDI’s brand is priced method less per box!
• Benton’s Fudge Striped Cookies 10oz | $2.19 Benton’s Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies 9.5oz | $2.49 Benton’s Caramel Coconut Fudge Cookies 8.5oz | $2.75 While we can’t verify that Benton’s brand is made by a large brand, these cookies look (and taste) just like the Girl Scout version, except they’re less pricey and available year-round!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

ALDI’s Tuscan Garden Italian Dressing tastes the same as Olive Garden! ALDI’s Tuscan Garden Restaurant-Style Italian Dressing $2.09 - versus -  Olive Garden Italian Dressing $3.99 You save $1.90!

• Worth noting: if you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s Signature Italian salad dressing, be on the lookout for ALDI’s off-brand version of this sought after salad dressing!
• Pick up this Tuscan Garden “Restaurant Style” Italian Dressing in the same size bottle for just $2.09 - that’s almost a 50% savings!
• Though the Tuscan Garden brand is actually made by Treehouse Foods, the only difference between these two salad dressings appeared to be the label and the price.
• We even tried the two dressings, and they tasted nearly identical!

Is Favorite Store Brands Secretly Worth It?

More importantly, excellent Value Peanut Butter is actually made by Peter Pan. Excellent Value Peanut Butter $1.98 - versus - Peter Pan Peanut Butter $2.47 You save 49¢!

• Why pay for Peter Pan Peanut Butter, which sells for about 15¢ per ounce, when you can opt for Walmart’s Excellent Value brand for about 12¢ per ounce?!
• Years ago, there was a recall for both products - including the off-brand items - which spilled the beans on the fact that they were actually the same aspect and made by ConAgra Foods!
• Remember that can’t believe it’s just as solid?
• Here’s what one buyer said about the Excellent Value peanut butter: “We decided to try the Excellent Value brand of peanut butter since of the price and found that it is just as solid as the major brand-named peanut butter.

Where the Real Savings Hide

If you read the label, you will find that the nutritional values are the same or even better than some other brands, & it tastes just as delicious. The reduce cost is well worth giving it a try, and you’ll find that the only aspect you are giving up is greater costs and a major brand name.”  5.

• As a rule, the store brand Excellent Value White Bread is made by Sara Lee.
• Excellent Value White Bread $1.48 - versus - Sara Lee White Bread $2.82 You save $1.34!
• The 20oz loaves of Excellent Value White Bread from Walmart are actually made in the same bakery as Sara Lee products & numerous other brands!
• Like the Excellent Value peanut butter, we discovered the connection during a recall that happened in 2015.

A Closer Look at Favorite Store Brands Secretly

In short, so why pay more than twice as much for the same aspect? Also, a Hip2Save reader had some unique insight into the brand: “I worked in a name-brand bakery for a year or so.

• We changed the bags without stopping the production line, and bagged bread for any Texas retailer you could name.
• Occasionally, the slicer would be adjusted to change the thickness of the slice.
• Worth noting: i almost consistently purchase the house brand regardless of what the product is.” 6.
• Costco’s Kirkland tuna is made by none other than Bumble Bee Tuna.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on favorite store brands secretly?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. Read this store brand vs. name brand comparison first.

Is it worth shopping around for favorite store brands secretly?

Usually yes. We all know that sometimes store brands don’t compare to name brands.

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. Though, did you know that numerous store brands are actually manufactured under a “private label” by large brand companies and sold at a fraction of the cost?.

Smart Ways to Save More on Favorite Store Brands Secretly

• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.
• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line on favorite store brands secretly: a little research goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is a click away.

Originally published at hip2save.com.