Store brands account for about one of every four products in a supermarket— and they’re branching into niches that lack national-brand competition: balsamic vinegar, for instance, or chocolate-covered raisins. Their popularity is understandable, considering that they typically cost 15 to 30 percent less than name-brand counterparts, according to an industry expert. The name-brand premium is largely the result of advertising and promotional costs that are passed on to consumers. Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, or Walmart were among the low-price winners in every category. Most of the Sam’s Club products were 50 percent or even 60 percent cheaper than the name brands, but you’ll need to buy warehouse-size packages. However, store … Continue reading Consumer Reports