Saving Money: Top 10 Foods Not to Buy Generic

Saving money on food is the pride of any domestic goddess and a fair share of men, too. Yet, saving pennies while sacrificing big taste is a common mistake. Infuse about $5 to $10 more a month into your food pantry for wonderful tasting meals.

A bit of background: Blessed with a childhood that was mostly void of fast food, and substantially varied for a kid, from seafood to sauerkraut, TV dinners to turnips, my taste buds developed an early education. Cooking has been a passion since, my superhero was Julia Childs.

Moving on from the play-acting then... I pride myself as a well-rounded epicure, rarely cook with prepackaged meals, and while it isn't often elaborate, it is flavorful home cooking on a budget. So I appreciate good tasting food at a reasonable cost.

Yet, it amazes me to see people with a $60,000 gourmet kitchen and a spice cabinet filled with dollar store fare. Saving money to pay off the kitchen?

Nevertheless, saving money with generic food, or any other commodity, is something I heartily support. Yet, some consumables are worth an extra ten cents, even a dollar, because of the quality and value. Generic food or sales items may even cost more in the end as more product is consumed, or it tarnishes a meal, and it goes to waste. Next time you try saving money at the grocery store, see if it really is a good deal or a bad one.

Worcestershire: Commonly used to season meats and meat-based dishes, does it make sense to save 30 cents every three to six months? Used on some of the most expensive dishes, such as steaks, it is worth the price to get the leading brand, Lea & Perrins.

Soy sauce: Similar to the philosophy behind Worcestershire, saving money on generic doesn't work. This condiment is more commonly used and significantly affects flavor. Not only do you want to avoid generic brands, most any brand falls short of Kikkoman's.

Spice and seasoning: Investing in good spice can turn a fair meal into great one, even everyday-cooking benefits. McCormick's offers great value, taste, and costs less than gourmet brands. Tone's is lower-cost option for saving money and is available in smaller quantities. Some major offenders include: garlic powder, a staple of many meals, as good flavor is rarely found in generic form.

Generic mixes, especially Italian seasoning, even some taco seasoning, offers less savory results. Meat seasoning or tenderizer is another, high on sodium, low on taste. True, generic spice saves money, but tasty seasoning mixes greatly improves flavor of inexpensive cuts of meat and other budget dishes.

Processed cheese: Unlike hard cheese, which boasts decent generic equivalents, Velveeta has no equal. A staple in many households, consider the taste difference, especially for dip, burgers, and, of course, macaroni and cheese. Processed cheese slices are another way to save money. If used for bologna sandwiches, it probably matters little. Yet, generic often falls short of the likes of Kraft or Borden.

Salad dressings: Few good-tasting, generic salad dressings exist as they lack the flavor and consistency, particularly the dairy-based types. Best Choice is one generic exception; if available, it makes a good option for saving money without sacrificing much taste.

Condiments: Several generic condiments are fair to good, such as mustard and some sauces, so saving money here is relatively easy. BBQ sauce (aka KC Masterpiece) and decent steak sauces are more difficult to find. Consider its use (steaks, ribs, chicken?) before heading for the budget brand. Is it worth it? Additionally, Mayo and Miracle Whip fans will also notice the difference with generic imitations. Saving money on Ketchup is fine, but for many there is only one brand, Heinz.

Cream cheese: Philadelphia cream cheese is worth the extra money for any cheesecake or bagel lover. Otherwise, generic cream cheese is okay in some dishes. Not much explanation is needed here.

Creamed soup: Generic soups tend to be poor to fair, but some people don't mind the taste. If, however, you are cooking a moderate to high-priced dish, don't sacrifice your hard work with salty, poor-tasting imitations, only to save 50 cents.

Dollar store foods: Saving money by buying food at the dollar store is risky, unless it is something that moves well off the shelves (e.g. holiday candy). The food is often stale or even damaged in storage. Most dollar stores do not care for their food with supermarket standards. Additionally, the savings are usually minimal.

Certainly, I have missed some items, but this list provides an inexpensive start to improving your meals without breaking your budget. Some will disagree and your generic substitutions are welcome. Moreover, do not take me as generic-phobe, the Dollar Store and Wal-Mart are two of my main shopping venues. Yet, as food, and the enjoyment of it, is an important part of life, it is one area where saving a few dollars may not be worth it. Then again, it's a matter of taste.