In many cases I agree, generic works just as good. However from that list I'll disagree with:

1) cereal - The generic cereal in my area tastes so different and has such a different texture I'd be able to pick it out of a blind taste test. I just stick with name brand ones that are on sale and I have a coupon for then stock up.

4) basic baking products - normally I'd agree on this one for just baking. However I have found that generic sugar is LOUSY for making humming bird food with. It stays cloudy no matter how hot the water is or how much you stir it, and my hummers don't eat it very well either. For that reason I always buy name brand sugar.