If you’re one of the lucky ducks that live near Publix, then you probably already have a list of must-buys and go-tos. But the thing about the iconic Florida grocery chain is that it’s still largely concentrated across the South, making it harder to find in other parts of the country.
If you’re planning your first trip there, you’ll probably want a starter pack of the items shoppers swear by. Here are a dozen things to fill your cart with on your inaugural visit.
Chicken Tenders Sub
The “Pub Sub” is to Publix what the rotisserie chicken is to Costco — the hero of beach trips and quick but deliciously fresh lunches. The Southern grocer’s line of submarine sandwiches — enormous and available in countless variations — has developed a cult following, with many customers comparing them to top-tier sandwich chains. Among the most beloved is the chicken tender sub, which is customizable in size and made fresh by deli workers using a sub roll of your choice — white, whole wheat, or Italian five-grain — before being loaded with fried chicken, cheese (provolone comes highly recommended), sauces like Buffalo, Sriracha mayo, or honey mustard, plus whatever veggies your heart desires.
“You haven’t lived until you’ve had a Publix sub. …The best thing about the sunshine state is the beaches and Publix,” said one shopper on Reddit.
Chocolate Ganache Supreme Cake
Chocolate cake is already a perfect creation on its own, but loyalists to Publix would argue this is where the chain’s dessert category truly shines. Sold in the bakery section, the Chocolate Ganache Supreme Cake features moist cake layers sandwiched between chocolate whipped topping before being covered in a rich chocolate ganache glaze. Taste tests have described it as better than homemade — and something that tastes far more expensive than it actually is.
Publix Lemonade
To help wash down that sugar rush of a cake, Publix fans also heartily recommend the store’s lemonade, often described as the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Sold in the deli section by the pint, half-gallon, or full gallon, the drink has developed something of a cult following of its own. And for shoppers looking beyond the classic version, Publix regularly rotates different flavors onto shelves, including blackberry mango, passionfruit basil, strawberry pineapple, and pineapple yuzu. Some flavors are limited-time offerings, but the store always seems to have a new one waiting in the fridge aisle.
Fried Chicken
It would be borderline blasphemy to walk into a Southern supermarket and sleep on the fried chicken, which remains one of Publix’s most beloved deli items. Known for its crunchy, seriously seasoned crust and juicy interior, the fried chicken has developed a loyal fanbase across the South. You can order directly from the deli and choose everything from popcorn chicken and boneless tenders to wings, breasts, and thighs — or simply grab a pre-packaged box from under the heat lamps or refrigerated section for a quicker fix.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you prefer your chicken in dip form, then the Buffalo Chicken Dip deserves your attention. Sold in a microwave-safe, pint-sized container, the dip — which has racked up rave reviews across the board — is made with hot sauce, Neufchâtel cheese, sour cream, and shredded chicken for a creamy, spicy snack that shoppers swear by.
Trending on Cheapism
Key Lime Pie
Publix also sells a top-notch version of Florida’s signature dessert — the key lime pie. With its creamy tart filling and sweet graham cracker crust, the classic dessert is especially refreshing after a heavy meal or on a brutally humid Southern night. While plenty of home bakers swear by their own recipe, loyal Publix shoppers insist the store’s bakery version is one of the best and most reliably delicious key lime pies you can easily get your hands on.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Reading through this list, you’ve probably realized that the bakery inside Publix deserves some serious attention — and you’d be absolutely right. Longtime Publix shoppers especially swear by the store’s chocolate chip cookies, which are sold in large containers perfect for sharing. They are described as soft, buttery, and generously loaded with chocolate chips. Children under 12 can score a free cookie through the store’s popular free cookie program.
Fried Pickle Chips
You might wonder, why fry a pickle? A Southern-born grocery store would answer, why not? And if you’re stepping into Publix for the first time, you might as well get the full regional experience. In the deli’s hot food section, you’ll find the tangy fried treat and can decide for yourself whether things really do taste better just because they’re battered and fried.
Sign up for our newsletter
Pre-made Fresh Pizza Dough
For those craving the homemade pizza experience without the gruelling process of making dough from scratch, Publix is here to meet you halfway with its homemade Italian pizza dough. You can choose either balls or pre-rolled, and you’ll need to give it some time to rise before shaping, adding toppings, and baking.
Bear Claws
The bakery at the supermarket also has another staple loyal shoppers gravitate toward: the bear claw. The breakfast pastry comes in both sweet and savory varieties, including Almond, Apricot, and Cheese, and is usually sold in two-count packages so you can mix and match flavors.
Publix Brand Ice Cream
This next item on the list of things you should try your first time at Publix isn’t really about the ice cream itself — because what could go wrong with ice cream? It’s the flavors that set the Publix’s store-brand ice cream apart. The chain has rotating limited-edition releases that genuinely excite shoppers. Past flavors have included Bananas Foster, Buckeyes and Fudge, Marry Me Strawberry, Cold Brew Cookies & Creme, Strawberry Lime Chili, and Freedom Berry Bliss, a red, white, and blue-inspired flavor.
Italian Sub
The Italian sub is another variation of the emblematic “pub sub” that loyalists rave about. It’s the fresher, cold deli version of the sandwich and includes capicola, Genoa salami, tavern ham, and provolone or your choice of cheese, and toppings of your choice.
More From Cheapism
- 17 Things to Buy Your First Time at Costco —Costco regulars have their go-to picks for a reason. Here are 17 of the items they recommend to buy your first time at Costco.
- 21 Things to Buy Your First Time at Trader Joe’s — We’re Trader Joe’s aficionados, so we know what makes a great grocery haul and what’s forgettable. If you want to shop like a regular, here are the must-haves for your first time at Trader Joe’s.
- New to Aldi? These 17 Items Are Worth Buying First — If you want to get the most out of your first trip to Aldi, these are the items you’ll want to fill your cart with.
