14 Items To Buy During Your First Trip To Publix

Publix has been around as a grocery store brand since 1930. From the beginning, the founder has always been focused on giving shoppers access to premium features and great customer service. For example, while refreshing air conditioning is a must-have feature in any Southern business nowadays, it was a real treat for Publix shoppers back in the '30s.

Fast forward almost 100 years, and there are still plenty of reasons why Publix has become more popular among modern shoppers. People's love for Publix is so strong that folks who don't live in the Southeast are upset they can't bask in the welcoming glow of the chain's bright green storefront sign and enter a new realm of grocery store goodness. Publix is slowly but surely expanding, and the brand is now located in eight states. New stores may eventually reach eager shoppers in other areas, but for now, people will have to keep getting their fix across the Southeast.

Are you planning your first trip to Publix and feel overwhelmed by all of the store's options? Rest assured that you really can't go wrong with any product that has the trusted Publix label. Still, it helps to have a starting point. Read on to learn about 14 items that should be on your Publix shopping list.

I spent my childhood in the quaint state of New Hampshire. My family rarely traveled beyond New England, but whenever we planned a vacation, it was always to Florida. Once we discovered Publix, our noses immediately started twitching, and we made a beeline toward the bakery section. We picked up the Cuban bread, which was so fragrant that you could smell it through the plastic packaging. My dad struck up a conversation with a bakery employee and learned that they bake the bread fresh every day. Ever since that first bite, we never had another Florida vacation without Cuban bread.

For many years, my dad ran his own bread delivery business across New England. He delivered all kinds of Piantedosi bread to restaurants, cafes, and other small businesses. Piantedosi has been a beloved wholesale bakery for over 100 years, so my family is used to having delicious freshly baked bread. The fact that we all love Publix's Cuban bread should give you the confidence to eat a loaf with some butter or, better yet, make a classic Cuban sandwich. The exterior has a gorgeous crunch that crackles when you bite into it, yet the inside remains pillowy soft.

My family made the move down to Florida in 2013, and since then, we've tried so many other breads from Publix's bakery. We adore them all for different reasons. If anything else catches your eye in the bread section, allow yourself to indulge.

Right off the bat, some readers may raise their eyebrows at the vegan label on this cookie recommendation, but hear me out. This cookie deserves the hype. My mom is the queen of caramel-flavored sweets. As soon as I heard that Publix was releasing this intriguing flavor, I presented Her Majesty with a box and eagerly awaited her verdict. She enthusiastically proclaimed that these cookies might just be her all-time favorite. She said, "On a scale of one to 10, those are an 11."

The cookies are everything you could ever want in a grocery store bakery cookie. They have a ring around the edge that's slightly firmer than the rest of the cookie, which adds texture. The middle is beautifully soft and chewy. Whoever developed that dough recipe truly deserves a raise. What sets the cookies apart, though, is the fun flecks of crunchy, sticky salted caramel that you get in each bite. The cookies may not contain any butter, yet somehow they still taste buttery.

Like the bread, you won't be disappointed with any cookies you select from the bakery. Another kind I've gobbled is the chocolate chip M&M's cookies. We're not talking about cookies with three or four candies on top as decoration. Those bad boys are loaded to the brim with M&M's that you almost can't see any actual cookie beneath them.

What's more life-giving than a giant bag of movie theater-style popcorn? Popcorn will always reign supreme in any ranking of movie theater snacks. As a society, we've all agreed that buttery popcorn is so good that we're willing to battle the pesky kernels that get stuck in our gums later. There's nothing more glorious than ordering the giant popcorn tub from the movie theater, but Publix gives folks the chance to enjoy a similar experience at home. Once you're done filling your cart with bread and cookies in the bakery section, head to the nearby deli section and grab a bag of Publix popcorn.

This suggestion must come with a big warning, though. I first encountered Publix's freshly popped deli popcorn in Florida and bought it regularly. When I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2021, I squinted at the popcorn Publix was selling there. The bags were sealed shut instead of secured with a twist tie, which made them look mass-produced. I still decided to try it, and I wasn't surprised when it tasted sad and stale. Only buy this if the popcorn is popped in-house. It should be easy to tell, but you can always ask one of the kind employees to get confirmation.

For those who aren't in the know, Pub Sub is the nickname Publix shoppers have affectionately given the sandwiches the deli section prepares fresh. You can order one at the deli counter, or skip the wait by ordering online. You can walk right up to the heater or fridge depending on whether you ordered a toasted or cold sandwich, grab your order, and go straight to the checkout line if you're in a rush. Pub Subs are divine. When we lived in Florida, my husband and I always stopped by the Publix that was on the way to the beach to grab subs, drinks, and chips to ensure we'd have a good day. We can also count on them when we don't feel like cooking.

Publix sells an impressive variety of subs. Plus, there are endless customization options. One of the reasons why Publix subs are so delicious is that each one is prepared using the delightful breads from the bakery, and you can pick your favorite. The Pub Subs I order most often are the Boar's Head Jerk Turkey & Gouda Sub and Boar's Head EverRoast Sub, but anything you get will blow you away.

While you may want to try Publix's famous chicken tender sub at least once to see if you love it, the best way to gauge the chain's fried chicken is by eating it plain. Luckily, Publix sells a variety of fried chicken pieces to suit everyone's preferences. There are wings, tenders, popcorn chicken, breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and mixed bags.

There are a few reasons why fried chicken tastes different from the deli. Each deli uses its own breading and spice recipes, and it's impossible to deny that Publix has nailed its technique. Each deli keeps freshly fried chicken in the heaters for folks to grab at their convenience. It tastes even better knowing the staff hand-breads and fries it each day. You may buy a bag intending to prepare a proper meal with side dishes at home, but the smell will drive you wild. No judgment here if you tear into that bag and gnaw away at a few pieces in the car. You may want to move your car to a more secluded parking spot if you don't want to make awkward eye contact with the dozens of eager shoppers who will pass you, though.

Publix takes ice cream seriously, which any sweet tooth can appreciate. Publix's website lists 74 ice cream products with the store's label. Of course, there's plenty of regular ice creams, but Publix also produces frozen yogurt, light (lower-fat), sherbet, and limited-edition flavors. Moose Tracks, Chocolate Moose Tracks, and Birthday Cake happen to be the top picks in my household, but there are so many fabulous options to choose from.

Staying true to its Southern roots, Publix offers a variety of Southern flavors that are harder to find at other nationwide grocery stores like Walmart or Target. Southern Banana Pudding, Heavenly Hash, and Butter Pecan are just a few of Publix's vintage ice cream flavors that ruled the '70s and beyond.

Publix's limited-edition flavors deserve a shoutout for their creativity, too. Buckeyes and Fudge, Hula Hula Macadamia, Home Run Caramel Popcorn, Lemon Berry Bliss, and Cold Brew Cookies and Cream are a few flavors that make shoppers speed over to the store once they come back.

In this tough economy, it's easy to understand why Costco's rotisserie chicken has a cult following. No other grocery store can match Costco's prices. While Publix's price tag on its rotisserie chickens isn't mind-boggling, the flavors are. Of course, you can buy the original flavor, which works beautifully in these time-saving rotisserie chicken dinner recipes. However, when you're craving something with more personality, Publix's lineup is a real showstopper.

Lemon pepper and mojo are two classic staples that will always hit the spot. However, the Mardi Gras flavor is a party in your mouth, just like the name suggests. When you pull the roast out of the bag, you'll notice that it's absolutely covered in delectable spices and herbs that give the chicken a smoky, savory, spicy, and sweet flavor. It's not to be missed!

If you don't have much fridge space to store leftover chicken, don't fret. Publix also sells chicken halves, quarters, legs, and breasts, so nothing else has to go to waste if you only need a small portion.

My friend, who still lives in New Hampshire, was over the moon when she told me her family was planning a vacation to the Florida Keys. No trip there would be complete without lots of Key lime pie, and she was planning to sample pies from as many places as possible. To my immense surprise, she informed me that Publix was the grand winner.

She isn't the only out-of-towner who has had this baffling experience. There are plenty of folks online who've gone on the same Key lime pie journey only to end up running back to Publix. People definitely love the flavor, but price also matters. One slice of pie at a restaurant costs about the same as an entire Publix pie that can feed a whole family. Of course, you should try Key lime pie from local businesses if you visit the Keys, but it's uplifting to know that you can still have access to a darn-good pie throughout the Southeast.

Publix sells both mini Key lime pies (that supposedly serve three people or one avid pie consumer) and a larger Key lime pie. You may want to splurge on the bigger pie that serves around eight people — you'll never be upset about having leftovers in your fridge.

Surprisingly, I haven't dug into Publix's dips yet, but tons of people on Reddit rave about them. All of them receive praise, but one of the most popular products is the Buffalo-style chicken breast dip. The chicken breast can pack a nice protein punch, while the dip gets its richness from sour cream and Neufchâtel cheese. One Redditor said it's perfect with tortilla chips and Fritos.

The spinach dip is another fan favorite, and someone mused online that it's so good they could eat it plain with a spoon. That dip contains spinach, water chestnuts, sour cream, and onions. The spinach dip is not to be confused with Publix's spinach and artichoke dip, which is made with spinach, artichoke hearts, and Asiago.

In total, shoppers can find nine different refrigerated dips in the Publix deli section as of September 2026. Other unique flavors include chicken bacon ranch and chicken parmigiana. The store has also sold street corn dip in the past, so keep your eyes peeled for new and limited offerings.

Are you ever struck with a craving for something salty, crunchy, and a little sweet? Look no further than the humble peanut butter pretzel bite. This snack is loads of fun because each bite is easy to pop into your mouth, and it always feels like a delightful surprise when you hit the peanut butter core. All kinds of grocery stores sell peanut butter pretzels, but Publix might do it best.

Many folks on Reddit agreed that this snack was special enough to write home about, even among all the other fantastic products with the Publix label. My husband loves pretzels that fall anywhere on the sweet-savory spectrum, and he could easily gobble up an entire bag of the peanut butter pretzels. If you can resist, the resealable bag will help keep your treat crunchy. Publix states these pretzels are filled with 100% real peanut butter and contain no artificial colors or flavors.

Kettle Brand has stolen many folks' hearts because we all love a good crunch. The brand has developed so many mouthwatering products, so it's worth checking out our ranking of popular Kettle chip flavors. You can find Kettle Brand and plenty of other beloved chip brands in the snack aisle at Publix. However, if you're shopping there for the first time, skip the chips you can find at any other store and grab a bag with the Publix label. Publix currently offers eight flavors, and some are limited edition.

One flavor that's here to stay is Baby Back Ribs, which is so fun that any barbecue lover should enjoy it. The limited-edition flavors are even more inventive. Three Cheese Texas Toast, Stuffed Jalapeño, Black Truffle, and Buffalo-Style Chicken Dip make my savory taste buds sing. Reach out to whatever bag is calling you, and you likely won't be disappointed.

Italian sausage is one of the best ingredients for maximizing flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. You can let the sausage shine effortlessly by whipping up a simple sausage and peppers sub, or you could build a gorgeous pasta or soup that starts with a sausage base. My family loves making meatballs that are ½ ground beef or poultry and ½ Italian sausage.

Publix sells sausage links and ground sausage so folks don't have to fuss with slicing the casing open. The brand sells mild and hot Italian pork sausage, along with mild and hot turkey sausage for a reduced fat option that doesn't skimp on the flavor. My mom often chooses the turkey sausage over the pork, so she can vouch for its taste. Publix also produces limited-edition sausage flavors to help home cooks avoid dinner ruts.

Redditors also swoon over Publix's sausage products. One New Yorker who moved down South said that they're on par with the high-quality sausages they bought directly from local Italian butchers.

Publix may be a Southern grocery store chain, yet the brand has a fairly impressive collection of international goods. Shoppers can find goods from countries across the globe. Publix's website currently boasts more than 600 products from over 20 countries. First-time shoppers should walk down the international foods aisle slowly so they don't miss any delights.

On Reddit, many folks enjoy the products imported from the U.K. Jammie Dodgers, Aero chocolate bars, salad cream, and Yorkshire tea are noteworthy mentions. Of course, keep in mind that these products come with a higher price tag because they're imported.

If you're on the hunt for soda made with real cane sugar, make sure to stock up on Mexican sodas, such as Coca-Cola and Jarritos. For a sweet treat, try Australian Violet Crumble Honeycomb Candy. When you're short on time but don't want to spend a fortune on takeout, crack open a jar of your favorite Indian sauce to pour over your protein and rice.

Publix isn't the grocery store I go to for everyday shopping because prices are usually significantly higher than at other stores. Walmart, Trader Joe's, and Aldi are hard to beat. However, what keeps me coming back weekly is the specialty products you can't find elsewhere and Publix's buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offers. These massive markdowns make everyday products cheaper than affordable grocery store brands, so plenty of folks stock up on their favorite products when they get the BOGO treatment.

Publix knows these weekly flyers get folks so riled up that they let members view the upcoming deals online 24 hours in advance. To become a member, all you need to do is make an account on the Publix website. Funnily enough, my mother and I text each other every week about deals we think the other should know about, even though we've both already made our shopping lists.

I've been an avid Publix shopper since moving away from my home state of New Hampshire in 2013. Although it was tricky to condense all my favorites into a short list, I tried to suggest products an average shopper would enjoy most. I also consulted some of my closest loved ones to discuss their favorites and verify that my picks were solid. I wanted to make sure my recommendations went beyond my personal shopping experiences, so I also dug into several Reddit threads where folks discussed their all-time favorite Publix products.