10 Things You Should Never Buy Generic

Any smart shopper knows there is a time and place for saving money or just buying whatever is on sale, but consumers have to draw the line at favorite products that are superior to any generic or off-brand counterpart. There are some things that just cannot be duplicated. Substitutions are fine in general, but never substitute a generic product for any of the goods listed below:

Fritos Corn Chips- Nothing ruins a good Frito chili pie, like an imposter "frito". Fritos are the only corn chips that stay crunchy under chili and cheese. Never try to save money when it comes to this product.

Charmin Toilet Paper- Charmin toilet paper is the premier toilet paper. Other tissues may look like Charmin, but alas, they do not feel like Charmin.

Diet Coke- No Diet Sam's Choice, No Diet Cola, No Diet Shasta, Diet Coke just cannot be duplicated. The others taste somewhat like fizzy, brown water with aspartame.

Oreo Cookies- A Twist and Shout, or a generic chocolate wafer sandwich cookie, just does not taste like a good ole Oreo. Cut corners somewhere else, but by all means, buy authentic Oreo cookies.

Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup- Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup is a staple in most households. It goes in numerous casseroles, or tastes great all by itself with saltines. Generic cream of mushroom soup is just not quite right, enough said.

Hostess Twinkies- With it's spongy, golden outside and light, creamy inside a Hostess Twinkie is a snack fit for royalty. The others should leave the Twinkie making to Hostess. Never has a faux "twinkie" tasted as good as the real deal.

Kraft Velveeta - Velveeta processed cheese food is probably less food and more process, but none the less, it is the only way to have good Rotel cheese dip. Generic cheese food is just wrong, it gets clumpy instead of smooth when microwaved, and it doesn't seem to blend well the Rotel tomatoes.

Yoplait Yogurt- Yoplait Yogurt is a smooth creamy yogurt instead of having the consistently of pudding like many generic brands. It is also not as strong tasting as the generic brands.

Kellogg's Pop-Tarts-Toaster tarts and fruit filled toaster pastries do not match the flavor or texture of Pop-Tarts. Die hard Pop-Tart fans can spot an imposter a mile away.

Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing Original Ranch Flavor- There is just something about the taste of the original Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing, the flavor has yet to be duplicated by any generic product.

Fritos corn chips, Charmin toilet paper, Diet Coke, Oreos, Campbell's cream of mushroom soup, Hostess Twinkies, Kraft Velveeta cheese, Yoplait yogurt, Kellogg's Pop-Tarts, and Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing are all far superior to any generic products that have tried to replicate them. Consumers should pinch pennies and cut corners elsewhere, but leave these products in their shopping carts; some things are just best left to the experts. These products leave the imposters in the dust.