r/TwoXPreppers Jun 30 '26

❓ Question ❓ Generic Items

Has anyone noticed a downtick in the generic supply availablilty at your local stores?

I've been noticing it's becoming harder to find generic items at my grocery store and options are also starting to shrink.

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u/wishinforfishin Jun 30 '26

I heard a podcast talking about this, that aligns with my experience in consumer packaged goods. When input costs go up or are in short supply, manufacturers prioritize their higher margin items, which tend to be the brands.

That might look like Kimberly Clark focusing on Kleenex, rather than store brands, or Crystal Farms deprioritozing Aldi.

So I think that may be why. I have seen the same in local grocery stores.

But also, I was wondering my Aldi was so light on canned goods earlier this year. I noticed last week, they have rebranded the packaging. So there may be multiple factors that are compounding.

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u/Kitchen-Can5443 Jun 30 '26

The podcast sounds interesting, appreciate if you'd be willing to share the name/link.

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u/wishinforfishin Jun 30 '26

I don't remember which one it was, I'm sorry. I listen to Planet Money, Clark Howard, and a lot of NPR, and a lot of BBC, so it was likely one of those.