Brand Whore or Whatever is On Sale?

Recently I enjoyed a lunchtime discussion with work colleagues about brand-name food items. Does the name really matter, or is generic just as good?

One co-worker swears by Thomas English Muffins. Krogers or Publix need not apply.

Every Southern cook knows that Duke's mayo is the final word for any food item lacking creamy mayonnaise goodness, be it potato salad or the banana and mayo sandwich (controversial in my circle of friends, but I love it). Side discussion: Miracle Whip - what the hell is that stuff? Thin, too tangy, and just plain weird.

I rarely drink sodas, but I don't see much difference in a generic cola vs. Coke. Sweet and fizzy and will take the corrosion off your car battery, all the same.

Pickles... Klaussen's is a must. They're the only pickle I can find in the store that still remotely resembles a cucumber and retains any crunch/snap integrity. No nasty green dye either.


Scott is OCD about his aversion to generic Cheerios. No Toasty Oats or Cheer-Os will do. I agree there is a difference.
However, the best name for a generic breakfast cereal has to be Crispy Hexagons, the generic Crispex from Ingles (a grocery chain in N.C.). Who wouldn't want to settle down with a bowl of geometry in the early morning hours? Yum.

Most often I buy whatever item is on sale, rather than seek out a particular brand.

Any of you that just have to have that one brand that really does it for you, let me know. I love feedback!