By and large, in my experience, all medicines and household supplies like cleaners, cups, tin foil, etc are just as good if they are generic as if they were name brand. But in foods, the name brands are sometimes (alot) better than the generics. Off the top of my head i can think of
Ketchup. i’ve never had any good generics, heinz is all i like
Soda. coke & pepsi beat any generic cola
Bologna. i don’t feel the need to explain why oscar meyer is better than slimy 79 cent bologna
Bread. Sara lee or aunt millie is alot better than 89 cent store bread, which is usually gummy and crunchy at the same time.
My parents work in the food industry and say that in many cases brand name companies supply the same products for store brands. Hence the “We don’t make X for anyone else” slogan you sometimes see from companies who don’t do this.
In a few cases the store brand is actually of a better quality, because stores have a lot more money to buy the best products. For example, my whisky connoisseur husband approves of Safeway brand whisky (this is in the UK). Their wine can also be quite decent. Whole-bean coffee is another one that comes to mind.
My husband agrees with you about Heinz ketchup, but has recently allowed me to let me buy the store brand since we’re trying to reduce the grocery budget. (The taste difference doesn’t bother me.)
Big Y bread (Big Y is in New England) is excellent. I can usually get a large loaf of sandwich size for under a dollar. It’s always fresh and soft. The only bread I like better is Wonder Bread.
Stop and Shop has great ice cream.
Shaw’s has even better ice cream and their soda is good. However, I used to work there so I know who really makes their ice cream and soda. Both are supplied by major name brands.
Other things I’d rather get store brand:
Relish
Mustard
Salad dressing
Soda (Not cola, just other flavors)
Deli meat
Cakes / frosting
Things I will not buy store brand:
Mayo (has to be Cains)
Plastic Wrap
Milk
Orange Juice
Yogert (sp?)
Jello
Pudding
Shampoo or Conditioner
Toilet Paper