She's inspired a novel and a one-woman show.

The next time you reach for your usual brand of peanut butter, cereal, or olive oil, it might be worth looking one shelf down.2025 NielsenIQ analysis.

, 59% of U.S. consumers say they trust private-label products — especially when those products are endorsed by retailers they already rely on.That shift is reshaping how people navigate the grocery aisle, turning store brands from backup options into trusted staples..But not all generics are created equal — here’s how to shop smarter when the labels aren’t familiar.. What private label actually means.

If you’ve ever reached for a box of crackers with a store name on it — or picked up pasta labeled “Good & Gather” instead of Barilla — you’ve bought a private label product.These are the house brands of grocery chains: products made specifically for the retailer, often by the same manufacturers behind national brands, but sold under a different name and at a lower price.. On a Budget?

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The ingredients may differ slightly, and the packaging may be more understated, but for shoppers trying to stretch their grocery budget, the appeal is clear: private label often delivers similar quality for less.Add pigeon peas, rice, and remaining 1 cup onion and cook, stirring constantly, until onions are translucent and mixture is coated with caramelized sugar, about 5 minutes; season with 1 1/2 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper.. Stir together reserved cooking liquid from the meat with coconut milk, adding water to mixture as needed to equal 8 cups total.

Add meat and cooking liquid mixture to rice mixture and bring to a simmer over medium heat.Reduce heat to low and stir in Scotch bonnet and bay leaves; season with remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and remaining 3/4 teaspoons pepper.. Cover and cook until liquid is completely absorbed and rice and beef are tender, about 35 to 40 minutes; serve immediately.

(The "bun bun" at the bottom of the pot is a special treat.).(Keep screen awake).1 1/3 cups split yellow mung beans (10 ounces), soaked in water to cover for 1 hour.