This post has been updated in September, 2019 to reflect changes in Brandless’ product offerings, prices, and policies.

A few weeks ago, I saw an ad on Facebook for Brandless. As someone who loves a good deal, I had to check it out.

Brandless used to sell everything on their site for $3.00 – but they recently changed their pricing. So some items are $3.00 – but many are more than $3.00.

How Does Brandless Work?

All the items for sale on Brandless are, well, brandless. They’re generic, and therefore cheaper.

Brandless aims to “make stuff that makes life better”.

Food: All of their food products are non-GMO and free from artificial flavors and synthetic preservatives. Many of their food products are also organic, vegan, and/or gluten free.

How Has Brandless Changed?

Brandless’ model has changed. In the past, the focus was on price and value. This is what I wrote about it in 2017:

“Brandless keeps prices low by eliminating BrandTax, the money it takes to advertise a product.

Brandless estimates that products of similar quality at other stores will cost 40 percent more than what they charge. But is it true?”

Now, in 2019, they offer a bigger, better selection of products, but their prices have gone up on many of them.

What I Bought

I bought 7 items on Brandless:

Toothpaste, 4 ounces: 2017 price = $3.00 2019 price = $5.00

4 ounces: Dish soap, 16.5 ounces: 2017 price = $3.00 2019 price: Product no longer available

16.5 ounces: Honey, 8 ounces: 2017 price = $3.00 2019 price = $3.00

8 ounces: Maple syrup, 6.7 ounces: 2017 price = $3.00 2019 price = $4.00

6.7 ounces: Peanut butter , 12 ounces: 2017 price = $3.00 2019 price = $3.00

, 12 ounces: Apple cider vinegar , 16 ounces: 2017 price = $3.00 2019 price = $3.00

, 16 ounces: Fig and thyme crisps, 5.3 ounces: 2017 price = $3.00 2019 price: Product no longer available

5.3 ounces:

Out of curiosity, I priced similar items at Trader Joe’s:

Toothpaste : $2.29 for 6 ounces (38 cents/ounce)

: $2.29 for 6 ounces (38 cents/ounce) Dish soap : $2.99 for 25 ounces (11 cents/ounce)

: $2.99 for 25 ounces (11 cents/ounce) Honey : $3.49 for 12 ounces (29 cents/ounce)

: $3.49 for 12 ounces (29 cents/ounce) Organic honey : $5.99 for 16 ounces (37 cents/ounce)

: $5.99 for 16 ounces (37 cents/ounce) Maple syrup : $4.99 for 8 ounces (62 cents/ounce)

: $4.99 for 8 ounces (62 cents/ounce) Organic maple syrup : $7.99 for 12 ounces (66 cents/ounce)

: $7.99 for 12 ounces (66 cents/ounce) Peanut butter : $3.49 for 16 ounces (21 cents/ounce)

: $3.49 for 16 ounces (21 cents/ounce) Apple cider vinegar : $2.49 for 16 ounces (15 cents/ounce)

: $2.49 for 16 ounces (15 cents/ounce) Raisin-rosemary crisps: $3.99 for 5.3 ounces (75 cents/ounce)

As you can see, many items are cheaper per ounce at Trader Joe’s: Toothpaste, dish soap, peanut butter, and non-organic honey.

Organic honey is the same price per ounce.

Brandless Products: Pros And Cons

Pros:

Prices: While prices on many items have risen, much of what they sell is very affordable.

While prices on many items have risen, much of what they sell is very affordable. Quality : Every item I purchased was high quality. A lot of their products are organic.

: Every item I purchased was high quality. A lot of their products are organic. Fast shipping : My box arrived in just a couple of days.

: My box arrived in just a couple of days. Donation: Every time a purchase is made on Brandless, the company donates one meal to Feeding America. Pretty cool.

Cons:

Selection : Brandless’ selection has grown since it launched in July, 2017. They’ve added pet products, tableware, bakeware, office supplies, gift bags and wrap, pads and tampons, baby diapers and wipes, essential oils, and lots more. Still, I can’t do all of my grocery or shopping on Brandless.

: Brandless’ selection has grown since it launched in July, 2017. They’ve added pet products, tableware, bakeware, office supplies, gift bags and wrap, pads and tampons, baby diapers and wipes, essential oils, and lots more. Still, I can’t do all of my grocery or shopping on Brandless. CBD products : Brandless recently added CBD products to their website. Like practically anywhere else, these products are quite expensive. A CBD balm is $49, and a 30-count container of CBD capsules is $59.

: Brandless recently added CBD products to their website. Like practically anywhere else, these products are quite expensive. A CBD balm is $49, and a 30-count container of CBD capsules is $59. Shipping : Brandless currently offers free shipping on orders of $48 or more.

: Brandless currently offers free shipping on orders of $48 or more. Cost per ounce: As stated above, many items were actually cheaper per ounce at Trader Joe’s. I suspect they would be even cheaper per ounce at ALDI.

Final Thoughts

Will I purchase more from Brandless?

Update: I did.

I’m now on Brandless’ mailing list, and I decided to purchase more stuff when they offered free shipping. I ordered peppermint mouthwash, organic teriyaki beef jerky, organic maple syrup, gochujang Korean sweet & spicy cooking sauce, lilac dish soap, and unbleached parchment paper. All of these were high quality. The parchment paper is much cheaper than what I buy at the co-op, and the lilac dish soap smelled SO good!

But, will I become a regular Brandless purchaser? Probably not.

Personally, I like going to the grocery store. And since you can’t buy everything on Brandless (produce, dairy, meats, seafood, cheese, baked goods, frozen foods, etc.), you’ll still have to go to the grocery store. You’re not really eliminating a supermarket run – you’re just buying some pantry items online as opposed to in the store.

I think Brandless is a great option for people who have limited time for grocery shopping. These individuals could buy pantry staples on Brandless and do supplemental grocery runs to pick up fresh foods.

I do most of my grocery shopping at ALDI and Trader Joe’s.

If you’re wondering what grocery stores are the cheapest, check out these grocery store price comparisons.

Have you tried Brandless? What did you think? Please share your thoughts below.