A substitution can look similar on a product page and still fail in the recipe. The right question is not only whether the products share a category, but whether the replacement performs the same job in the planned meal.
Check the ingredient's job
An ingredient may provide structure, moisture, salt, acidity, fat, sweetness, or bulk. Greek yogurt and flavored yogurt are both yogurt, but they do not play the same role in a savory sauce. Diced tomatoes and tomato paste are both tomato products with very different concentration.
If the ingredient is central to the dish, prefer a close functional match. If it is a garnish, the plan may tolerate a broader replacement or omission.
Recheck quantity and dietary constraints
Compare net weight, count, preparation state, and concentration. A smaller package can erase an apparent price advantage, while a concentrated substitute may require much less than the original amount.
Review allergens and dietary requirements from the actual replacement label. Similar branding or packaging is not evidence that two products have the same ingredients.
Decide whether the price still makes sense
A substitution should not quietly break the household's budget. Compare the total package price and the amount required for the meal, not only a highlighted unit price.
When no replacement meets the meal's needs, it may be better to choose another dinner or leave the ingredient unresolved for the household. A confident-looking mismatch is worse than a visible gap.