Name Brands vs. Knockoffs: Putting toilet paper to the test

HOUSTON – Are you flushing your money down the toilet buying name brand toilet paper?

Consumer expert Amy Davis found a local family to weigh in on the tissue-- we mean issue.

The Brown family in Tomball prefers Angel Soft toilet paper because it's soft, but Davis asked them to take a seat, grab a few squares and compare some other brands.  

She purchased four different brands of toilet paper. Charmin Ultra Strong is the most expensive in our test at about $4.99 for six rolls. Walmart's Great Value Ultra Strong is $3.84 for the same amount. H-E-B's Our Finest Ultra Strong is $3.47 for a six pack and Walgreens' Nice Ultra Strong is the least expensive at $2.65 for the same amount. 

The rolls were taken out of the package and labeled 1 through 4. Davis asked the Browns to rate the rolls on factors they consider important in a good toilet paper. 

"I think the quantity, the ply and the thickness," Marshall Brown said.

They touched it, tore it and took it to the bathroom for a thorough examination. 

"They were relatively the same comfort level," Marshall said.  

But when we added up their scores, the toilet paper they liked least was the Nice brand from Walgreens. Charmin came in third place. Walmart's Great Value Ultra Strong came in second place. The highest rated toilet paper by the Browns was H-E-B's Our Finest brand. 

"We thought it was better than Charmin!" said Beth, surprised by the revelation. 

H-E-B's Ultra Strong is soft on your wallet too. You'll save $1.50 buying the store brand over the brand name Charmin.

We should note that it is almost impossible to compare the price of toilet paper because of the varying sizes on store shelves. Davis did some math and used the price per square foot for her research. That is the same way you should do it in the store to make sure you're getting the best price. 


About the Author:

Passionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries.