Poll: Americans opt for generic products to save money

NEW YORK Almost two-thirds of U.S. adults (65%) are purchasing more generic brands to save money, slightly up from 63% in February, a new Harris Interactive poll found.

Harris Interactive surveyed 2,227 adults online between June 14 and 21, and found that among those who have purchased generic brands to save money, a person's age had no influence on his or her decision to forego branded products for generic ones. What's more, an additional 13% of those polled said they have considered purchasing generic products to save money.

The Harris poll also found that U.S. adults seek other ways to cut corners: 2-in-5 adults said they have switched to refillable water bottles instead of purchasing bottles of water (39%), and brown-bag their lunches.