Why do a lot of generic foods taste so bad compared to the name brands?

Question

Trying to find a generic peanut butter that doesn't make my kids hurl is hard. It seems that way with most items: spaghetti sauce, cake mix, etc.

Can't these companies just mimic the ingredients in the name brand items? I am sure most of them are past any patents.

Answer 1

Most of the name-brand companies make that food their own way, and work hard to make it appeal to a bigger crowd.  Most of the time, they will taste better because they are the main export from the factory.  For example, Chips-Ahoy make a better cookie than the grocery store brand.  Generic food tastes different because even though they might use the same ingredients, they are made using less money, thus making the both cheaper and/or not as good.

Generics do this so they can give out the same type of food the name-brands are giving, but for a more affordable price.  

Answer 2

Since company recipes are secret, generics just guess at ingredients.  I agree with you they all taste like cardboard