When I'm grocery shopping, I’m always looking for value—without sacrificing flavour. Kroger’s in-house brands (like Simple Truth, Private Selection, and Kroger brand) have quietly stepped up their game.
According to industry reporting, Kroger’s private label products offer “equal or greater quality” than many national brands—while being about 20% cheaper on average. Here are ten of my go-to Kroger-brand products that consistently outperform their name-brand counterparts in taste and price.
Kroger 1% Reduced Fat Milk
Most of the time I grab whichever milk is on sale, but I’ve switched to Kroger’s 1% Reduced Fat Milk because it tastes fresh and costs noticeably less. It delivers the same creamy texture and versatility as name brands—no weird after-taste or compromised quality.
If you slice open your fridge and see a gallon for under the usual expensive brand price, you’ll realize how much you were overpaying. It’s a simple swap that adds up week after week.
Kroger Chicken Broth 32 oz
Making soup or risotto? Chicken broth is a foundational ingredient—and Kroger’s version delivers great flavour at a fraction of what premium brands charge. It’s rich enough to carry the dish but clean-label enough you don’t feel like you’re cutting corners.
I buy a batch, freeze half in ready-to-go portions, and skip the higher-priced brands every single time. It keeps cooking costs down without compromising taste.
Kroger Pure Vegetable Oil 48 fl oz
When you’re deep into cooking, whether roasting or frying, you want oil that performs without bleeding money. This Kroger Pure Vegetable Oil hits that sweet spot: reliable performance and budget-friendly price.
The big 48 fl oz size means fewer trips to the store, and since the quality is solid, I’ve stopped buying the expensive specialty oils for everyday use. It’s one of those “boring buy” items that quietly wins.
Kroger Original Tomato Ketchup
Ketchup seems trivial, sure—but when that bottle runs out and you're grabbing a premium brand, you really notice the price jump. Kroger’s Original Tomato Ketchup has all the sweet-tangy punch of the big brands and comes in at a lower cost.
I’ve tested side-by-side with national brands and honestly the taste difference is negligible. When I factor in savings, it becomes a “why wouldn’t I buy this” decision.
Kroger Original Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a breakfast staple, brunch must-have, or mid-week spread. Kroger’s Original Cream Cheese is rich, smooth, and behaves just like the big name brand in bagel slathers or baked goods.
The price is friendlier too—so I feel less guilty about spreading generously, baking extra muffins, and not cutting corners in my recipes.
Private Selection Petite Sweet Gourmet Potatoes
This one falls under Kroger’s premium house brand—Private Selection—which targets gourmet quality for less. These petite sweet gourmet potatoes roast up beautifully, are flavour-packed, and cost less than many specialty brands.
I use them as a side dish when I want something elevated but affordable. They bring that “restaurant side” feel without the restaurant price tag.
Kroger Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper Roasted Redskin Potatoes
Ready-to-go sides can be a gamble—but these roasted redskin potatoes from Kroger are dependable, flavorful, and priced well. They’re seasoned thoughtfully and crisp up nicely in the oven.
I keep a bag in the freezer for game night or busy weeknights when I don’t want to think about sides. They perform like a store-brand side should: taste strong, cost low.
Kroger 100% Colombian Medium Dark Roast Ground Coffee
Coffee is one area where people often default to brand names—but Kroger’s 100% Colombian ground coffee surprised me. The roast is robust, flavourful, and the price is significantly lower than many premium roasts.
If you’re brewing a pot every morning anyway, dropping a few bucks and still getting a strong cup is a win. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice quality to save.
Kroger Instant Mashed Potatoes Butter & Herb 6.6 oz
Instant mashed potatoes aren’t glamorous, but when time is tight they’re a lifesaver—and Kroger’s version actually tastes homemade. The butter & herb flavour comes through nicely and at under half the price of “premium” instant brands, it’s a smart swap.
I use it as the quick side when roasting chicken or beef. Minimal effort, flavour intact, and savings on my plate too.
Kroger Organic Lemonade
A beverage often overlooked in “value” considerations—this organic lemonade from Kroger is crisp, refreshing, and honestly stacks up well against natural-brand lemonades. Yet the price sits below many organic competitors.
For family meals or guests, pouring something that tastes good and costs less feels smart. It’s the kind of swap that adds up when you’re buying gallons.
The Takeaway
Kroger’s house brands are increasingly delivering on what really matters: taste, quality, and value. Their private label strategy isn’t about “cheap”—it’s about smart choice.
According to industry sources, Kroger’s store brands are priced around 20% less than national brands while offering equal—or better—quality. If you’re looking to stretch your grocery budget without settling for less flavour, these ten swaps are a great place to start.
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