What if there is exactly one perfect alternative to all the branded products?
Sounds fascinating, right? Because we often think about switching brand products for their cheaper alternatives. And we all have our own reasoning for it…
Some look for it as a way to become less brand-conscious. Others want to do big on sustainability.
But the most common reason why we switch to generic brand products is their cost-effectiveness.
Though if you think of building any brand today, you need to have branding and marketing strategies effectively. Specially branding, which includes having a brand name, logo ideas, and other design-related elements.
But today is a different day, as we’ll talk about the brand category in detail, which is a generic brand. This side of the product-related industry is at its peak. But there is just a handful of information out there breaking down this model.
What is a Generic Brand?
Consumers are becoming habitual to using products that are not heavy on branding. Here we’re talking about products with not-so-fancy packaging, logo, or other visual details. There are tons of such products, from dairy to pharmaceuticals, snacks, and other daily-use products. Generic brand products are usually products essential for daily life. They have their own characteristics, but they can easily be used in place of branded products. For example, if you’re getting a 3 kg pack of detergent for around 35 AED from any well-known brand. There must be a cheaper alternative with a price of 20 to 25 AED, providing the same quality. That’s what most generic brand UAE products are doing. These brands cut down their branding and marketing costs and provide high-quality products at lower prices. Generic brand products (aka generics) are present in almost all supermarkets. Their shelves are filled with these daily essentials.
The best part?
You’ll find at least one generic brand product, right next to its branded counterpart. Thanks to the growing consumer demand for brand-like quality with a shorter price tag.
List of Generic Brand UAE Products Used Across Different Sectors
We see these low-cost everyday items all around us. You can see them in any convenience store, mart, or superstore. The quality and price make them a hit with their consumers. And that’s the main reason most generic brands are successful, and a lot more are stepping in with their own manufactured generics.
We have gathered a list of cheap alternatives to branded products for people asking, “What is a generic brand?”. Below are some of the most widely used local supermarket generics:
Grocery & Food Staples
Generic rice
The rice market is going to hit US$195.28m in 2025. And a decent part of this proportion comes from this locally packed rice. These are sold in bulk or under store brands, used daily in many households.
Generic pasta/noodles
There are so many private label brands dealing in these day-to-day items. And you know what? Some of these are often indistinguishable from branded types in taste and function.
Generic flour and sugar
Consumers who deal in bulk buying don’t really look for well-branded items or search for great logo design. All they focus on is the quality and the price, as they need pantry essentials in huge quantities. They prefer buying these generic brand UAE products sold under store or unbranded packaging.
Generic canned vegetables/beans
The likability of people using canned foods is increasing day by day. And it’s a fact that most branded canned goods are not affordable for everyone. This creates space for budget-friendly alternatives that rival name brands.
Generic cooking oil
A lot of supermarkets have their own cooking oil generics. These are commonly used for frying and general cooking, especially in bulk containers.
Household & Kitchen Supplies
Generic dish soap
Dish soap is a day-to-day essential, people require in large quantities. The fact that some of the branded dish soaps are way too expensive makes these generic brand dish soaps a hit. These are sold in supermarkets and work similarly to branded versions.
Generic trash bags
It’s better to buy 10 generic brand trash bags than 5 branded ones for 1 AED. These are cost-effective alternatives that can be used for daily waste management.
Generic aluminum foil and plastic wrap
Private label generic kitchen staples cost way less than any company that uses effective branding for their products. That too with minimal brand differentiation.
Generic paper towels and napkins
This is something used in almost all homes and restaurants. There are so many close alternatives to this brand-name item, providing high-quality products.
Generic cleaning sprays/bleach
You can find a good number of brand-like alternatives for basic cleaning agents in the market. There are consumers out there willing to use them in their households and offices.
Personal Care & Hygiene
Generic hand soap/body wash
Those not-so-fancy soaps and hand wash that come in refill packs or store-labeled containers. These are way cheaper than their competitive brand name generics.
Generic shampoo and conditioner
Shampoos and conditioners are sold in bulk or economy packaging. You can find them in supermarkets or pharmacies that are into creating their own labeled generics.
Generic toothpaste and deodorant
Basic personal hygiene, generic brand products, which are often available at reduced prices. They offer basic protection without the brand-name markup.
Health & Wellness
Generic pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Well-established pharmaceutical companies sometimes get too expensive for everyone to afford. So, there are cheaper alternative medicines, chemically identical to their branded counterparts.
Generic multivitamins
Brand-name Vitamins are also very costly. These generic brand multivitamins provide essential nutrients at a fraction of the cost.
Generic antiseptic creams and bandages
Found in first-aid kits and pharmacy aisles.
No, let’s take a deeper look at why most people prefer generic brand UAE products over other branded items. Though we now know that price is a main factor, that’s not all. There are other reasons, too, making generics a better choice. People often choose them over brand-name counterparts because of a mix of:
- Practical
- Psychological
- And economic factors.
Top 7 Reasons Why People Choose Generic Brand Products over Branded Ones:
1. Lower Price
This is one of the most important factors that we’ve already discussed. Generics are usually 20–50% cheaper than branded products. Especially appealing during the recession. It’s a convenient option for budget-conscious shoppers.
2. Comparable Quality
Why waste money when you can get the same quality in less price? Many generics offer similar or identical ingredients, materials, or effectiveness. You can especially count meds, food, or household goods here. People often realize there’s little functional difference once they try it. Or there might just be a slight difference in taste for consumable products.
3. Minimal Packaging
Some consumers are big on values rather than the visual appeal. Less flashy packaging can signal value over marketing. Eco-conscious consumers may also appreciate the simpler, less wasteful design.
4. Store Trust
There are supermarkets that have loyal customers coming for years. This makes them a credible name that their regular customers trust. And when they sell any generics, people are more likely to buy from them based on their trust. For instance, people would trust Lulu own brand items, or Carrefour generic products more than anything. Why? It’s because customers feel more confident in the quality. Loyalty to the store brand can substitute for loyalty to national brands.
5. Everyday Usage
There are many essentials that need to be bought in bulk. For basic or repetitive items (like salt, tissues, cotton swabs), why would someone pay a huge sum, just for the label? Generics are good enough for daily needs that don’t require premium performance.
6. Positive Word of Mouth / Reviews
Genericas are more likely to be used by the locals, and are even more likely to be reviewed by them. In this scenario, online reviews, forums, or friends recommending a generic product can encourage others to switch. Sometimes generics are even rated better than brand names in blind tests.
7. Recession Mindset or Frugal Lifestyle
The increase in inflation and continuous economic pressure are also major factors. Moreover, a minimalist approach to spending can push people toward generics as a long-term strategy. Even high-income individuals sometimes prefer saving on “non-luxury” basics.
Is Branding and Advertising Important for Generic Brand Products?
There’s no doubt that building a strong brand is essential for any successful business. This is where a professional branding agency can help you outshine competitors. However, when it comes to generic brand products, a full-fledged branding strategy isn’t always necessary.
Similarly, advertising plays a key role in marketing by putting products in front of the target audience. But generic brand products typically don’t rely heavily on advertising. They’re mostly sold through supermarkets and retail chains, where visibility comes from shelf presence rather than big ad campaigns.
The Takeaway?
Generic brand products are nothing to be seen as just “cheap alternatives”. They are, in fact, some of the best deals you’ll ever have. They’re a smart, practical choice for everyday living. No matter what your goal is, cost, sustainability, or intentional buying, these private label products have got you covered. And remember, traditional branding and advertising still have their effectiveness, but generic brands are winning quietly through shelf visibility, word of mouth, and customer trust in retailers. They strip away the flash and focus on function, which is exactly what many modern consumers are looking for.
So the next time you’re at the store, don’t just reach for the name you recognize. Look a little lower on the shelf, you might just find a product that works just as well for half the price.
FAQs
1- Generic vs name brand, which is better?
It depends on what you need. Generic brands are cheaper and often offer the same quality. On the other hand, name brands usually cost more because of marketing and packaging. For daily essentials, generics are a smart choice, and for specialty or premium items, name brands might offer more.
2- Are generic brands good to be trusted over branded ones?
Yes, in most cases. Many generic products have the same ingredients or quality. They just skip the fancy packaging and ads, and if they’re sold by trusted stores, they’re safe to use.
3- Why are generic products cheaper?
- They don’t spend much on ads or fancy packaging.
- They skip big branding costs.
- Many are made by the same manufacturers as name brands.
- You pay for the product, not the label.
4- What are the 5 best examples of generic products?
- Generic painkillers (like ibuprofen)
- Store-brand rice or pasta
- Generic dish soap
- Supermarket canned vegetables
- Generic shampoo or hand soap
5- What are the benefits of using generic brands?
They cost less. Often offer the same quality. Great for everyday use.Less flashy, more practical. Help you save without sacrifice.
