Publix is a go-to grocery store for many shoppers, known for its clean aisles, friendly staff, and top-quality products. But even at this beloved store, not everything is a must-buy. With so many options, it can be hard to know what’s worth putting in your cart and what’s better left on the shelf. To help you shop smarter, here’s a breakdown of 16 essentials you should grab at Publix and 14 items you might want to skip.
Buy: Publix Sub Sandwiches
Publix subs are legendary. These sandwiches are fresh, generously filled, and highly customizable. They offer great value for the quality, and you won’t regret grabbing one during your next visit.
Skip: Frozen Vegetables
While convenient, Publix’s frozen vegetables tend to be pricier compared to other brands. You can often find better deals elsewhere or even fresh alternatives on sale.
Buy: Publix Fried Chicken
Publix’s fried chicken is crispy, flavorful, and affordable. It’s perfect for an easy dinner or a picnic. Trust the hype—this fried chicken is worth every bite.
Skip: Canned Beans
Canned beans at Publix are often marked up compared to other stores. Consider stocking up on these pantry staples elsewhere, where the prices are more competitive.
Buy: Publix-Brand Pre-Packaged Bread
Publix’s own line of bread offers quality at a good price. Whether it’s for sandwiches or toast, you can’t go wrong with their fresh, pre-packaged loaves.
Buy: Bakery Cookies
Freshly baked and irresistibly delicious, Publix bakery cookies are a must-buy. They’re perfect for a quick treat or dessert at any gathering.
Skip: Publix-Brand Iced Oatmeal Cookies
While their bakery cookies shine, the Publix-brand iced oatmeal cookies leave much to be desired. They often lack the flavor and freshness you’d expect.
Buy: Baby Items for Children Up to 2 Years Old
Publix is an excellent spot for baby essentials like diapers, formula, and wipes, especially when you find them on sale. Stock up when the price is right!
Buy: Rotisserie Chicken
Publix’s rotisserie chicken is a convenient and delicious dinner option. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for an easy meal when you’re short on time.
Skip: Pre-Made Sushi (Except on Wednesdays)
Publix sushi can be hit or miss, and it’s often overpriced. However, the $5 sushi deal on Wednesdays is a steal and worth the splurge.
Buy: $5 Sushi on Wednesdays
Speaking of that Wednesday deal, Publix’s $5 sushi special is a bargain. It’s fresh, affordable, and perfect for a mid-week treat.
Skip: Butter
Publix-brand butter often comes at a higher price than other grocery stores, even with sales. You’re better off waiting for deals at other stores.
Buy: Publix-Brand Ice Cream
Publix’s ice cream is rich, creamy, and comes in a wide variety of flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
Skip: Shopping for Different Deals on Back-to-Back Days
It’s tempting to keep coming back for new deals, but hopping from one sale to another can cost you more in the long run, especially when you factor in time and gas.
Buy: Anything with a Competitor’s Coupon
Publix accepts competitor coupons, so make sure to take advantage. This can save you even more on top of Publix’s deals, making it a great place to shop if you plan ahead.
Skip: Buying Anything in Bulk
Publix isn’t the place to buy bulk items. You’re better off shopping at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club for larger quantities.
Buy: Thanksgiving Dinner
Publix does holiday meals right, and their pre-prepared Thanksgiving dinners are a lifesaver. They’re convenient, delicious, and save you the hassle of cooking everything yourself.
Skip: Last-Minute Holiday Dinner Ingredients
On the flip side, trying to grab last-minute holiday ingredients at Publix can be a nightmare. Prices are often inflated, and stock can be limited.
Buy: Buffalo Chicken Breast Dip
Publix’s Buffalo chicken dip is a fan-favorite. Perfect for parties or game day, this dip is a must-buy when you’re hosting or just craving something indulgent.
Skip: Anything Not on Sale
Publix can be pricey if you’re not careful. Stick to sale items or BOGO deals to get the best value for your money.
Buy: Fruit Salad
Publix’s pre-made fruit salads are fresh, convenient, and make for a quick snack or side dish. They’re a refreshing addition to any meal.
Skip: Name-Brand Items
While Publix offers a wide range of name-brand products, they often come at a premium. Opt for Publix’s own brand, which is often just as good at a lower price.
Buy: Sustainable Seafood
Publix is committed to sustainable seafood, making it a trustworthy source for your fish and seafood needs. Their selection is high-quality and responsibly sourced.
Skip: Tomatoes
Publix’s tomatoes tend to be underwhelming and often overpriced. Try to find fresher, more affordable options at local markets or other grocery stores.
Buy: Any Item You’re Unsure of Buying
Publix’s return policy is generous, so if you’re on the fence about something, don’t hesitate to grab it. You can always bring it back if it doesn’t work out.
Skip: Things That Aren’t Buy-One-Get-One
BOGO deals at Publix are legendary. But if something isn’t part of this promotion, it’s often not the best deal, so hold off until the right sale.
Buy: Bulk Liquor
Publix’s liquor stores offer great deals on bulk alcohol, especially during sales. Stock up for parties or special occasions when you see a good price.
Skip: Dried Pasta
Dried pasta is often more expensive at Publix than at other grocery stores. You can find similar quality elsewhere for less.
Buy: Coconut Oil
Publix’s coconut oil is a versatile pantry staple, and it’s often on sale. You can use it for cooking, baking, or even in DIY beauty products.
Skip: Chicken Breast
Chicken breast tends to be pricier at Publix than at other grocery stores. Look for sales or head to other stores for better deals on this protein staple.
Recommendations
When shopping at Publix, take advantage of their strengths—fresh subs, bakery items, and household staples like rotisserie chicken and ice cream. Always keep an eye out for BOGO deals and competitor coupon opportunities to maximize your savings. And remember, while Publix excels in many areas, not everything in the store is worth the price tag, so be selective about what goes into your cart.
Final Say
Publix is a top-tier grocery store with plenty of must-buy items, but like any store, it’s essential to know where to save and where to splurge. Stick to these recommended buys, avoid the overpriced skips, and you’ll walk out with a cart full of value. Happy shopping!
