These 15 Generic Products Have Dave Ramsey’s Seal Of Approval

Dave Ramsey isn’t impressed by sleek packaging or clever slogans. He’s not flipping through circulars looking for a name brand to rescue him, as he’s too focused on what keeps a budget intact without sacrificing usefulness. So, let’s take a look at 15 everyday items Dave Ramsey backs for being practical, not popular.

Paper Products

Paper goods are made to be used and tossed, so why should the packaging cost more than the product’s purpose? Generic napkins and disposable plates usually perform just as well as the name-brand versions they sit beside on store shelves. Their job is simple, and you rarely need fancy embossing or brand colors.
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Cleaning Products

The goal of any cleaning product is straightforward: remove dirt or grime. What matters is the formula inside, not the label outside. Many generic cleaning sprays contain the same cleaning agents found in their branded rivals. If the end result is a sparkling surface, there’s no reason to pay extra for branding.
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Bottled Water

Bottled water, when purified properly, is just water—plain, simple, essential. What you’re paying extra for in branded water is packaging, not purity. Skip the label and focus on what matters most: clean, refreshing hydration that doesn’t pour your budget down the drain.
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Trash Bags

Tossing out garbage should not come with a premium. Generic trash bags hold up well under kitchen and bathroom duties. While the name-brand options may come with stretch promises or scented gimmicks, store-brand trash bags focus on function. Plus, no one admires a trash bag for its brand.
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Condiments

Condiments are often more about habit than flavor loyalty. Once poured into a squeeze bottle or stirred into a recipe, few could tell the difference between generic ketchup or mustard and their branded cousins. And with condiments being items you use frequently and quickly, it makes little sense to shell out extra for a name.
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Pantry Staples

Flour is flour, and sugar is sugar—especially when it comes to the essentials of your pantry. Generic brands of these staples perform just as reliably in cooking and baking as name-brand options. Hence, choosing the generic version is a no-nonsense way to stock your pantry without spending more than you should.
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Ice Cream Toppings

Generic ice cream toppings deliver the same sweetness, texture and playfulness that everyone looks forward to at dessert time. If your goal is to please a crowd or indulge your sweet tooth, you’ll get the same satisfaction with the more affordable version. Plus, dessert should be delightful, not expensive.
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Pet Food

A healthy pet doesn’t care about logos. Generic pet food options today are much more regulated than they once were, offering wholesome ingredients for your pets. Look for packaging that lists meat, vegetables and grains, and compare the ingredient lists to brand-name bags—you might be surprised at how similar they are.
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Greeting Cards

Whether you’re wishing a happy birthday, offering condolences or saying thank you, the emotion behind the card holds more weight than its logo. When a simple note is all that’s needed, skip the expensive aisle. Write thoughtfully, spend wisely and let your words make a lasting impression.
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Storage Bins

It doesn’t matter how flashy a label is if all you need is a place to stash your winter sweaters. Storage bins from generic lines also offer durability and a stackable design. Choose function over flash, and use the money you save to tackle something that actually needs organizing—like your finances.
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Personal Care Products

Personal care aisles are packed with choices, but often, the store brands carry the same active ingredients as the premium ones. Contact lens solutions, moisturizers and facial cleansers—all serve basic purposes. So, if the ingredients match and your skin or eyes respond well, there’s no reason to spend more for fancier packaging.
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Cereal

Cereal is one of the easiest places to spot brand loyalty—and also one of the easiest places to save money without sacrificing taste. Kids and adults alike pour them into the same bowls with the same milk and get the same satisfying breakfast experience. Hence, don’t let packaging steer you away from the budget-friendly option.
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Medications

Walk down any pharmacy aisle, and you’ll find two bottles with different labels but the same active ingredient printed in fine print. That’s the beauty of generic medications. The difference often lies in the brand’s packaging, flavoring or marketing—not in how the medicine works.
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Milk

Milk doesn’t change because the carton looks different. Generic milk comes from the same dairy farms and processing facilities as the more expensive brands. Unless there’s a flavor difference due to added ingredients, most people can’t distinguish between them.
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Diapers And Baby Wipes

Babies don’t care about brand names—they care about comfort. And while diapers and wipes are essential, they’re also disposable, which makes them ideal for savings. With frequent use and constant replenishment, choosing budget-friendly baby products can make a big difference without compromising your baby’s well-being.
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