From fresh-baked breads to unbeatable deli picks, these Publix staples come highly recommended by food editors who know a thing or two about taste, quality, and convenience. If you’re not already tossing these into your cart, you might want to start.
1. Deli Fried Chicken Tenders $9.99/lb
Crunchy, golden, and packed with flavor, these deli tenders are a Publix cult classic. Perfect for dinner, picnics, or party platters, they’re a go-to comfort food that wins rave reviews for their signature seasoning.
Nutritional Facts (per 3 oz):
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 16g
Ingredients:
Chicken breast, enriched flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, buttermilk, egg.
Preparation Instructions:
Reheat in oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to retain crispiness.
2. Premium Seasonal Ice Cream (Rotating Flavors) $6.99/half gallon
Publix’s limited-time ice cream flavors bring the fun of the season straight to your freezer—think Caramel Swirl Pumpkin Pie in fall or Strawberry Shortcake in summer.
Nutritional Facts (per 2/3 cup):
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 26g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
Cream, milk, sugar, egg yolks, flavor-specific ingredients (e.g. strawberries, graham swirls, caramel).
Preparation Instructions:
Scoop and serve chilled. Best enjoyed slightly softened.
3. Bakery Mountain White or Wheat Loaf (Sliced to Order) $4.49/1 Each
Soft, hearty, and slice-customizable, this bakery loaf is perfect for sandwiches or French toast. Choose your slice thickness for a personalized touch.
Nutritional Facts (per slice):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Wheat flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, canola oil.
Preparation Instructions:
Use within 3 days or freeze slices for later. Toast or grill to enhance texture.
4. Frozen Sweet Plantains $3.29/12 oz
Skip the peeling and slicing. These pre-cooked plantains are sweet, soft, and ready in minutes—an easy upgrade for rice bowls or Cuban dishes.
Nutritional Facts (per 4 pieces):
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 4.5g
- Carbs: 31g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Ripe plantains, vegetable oil.
Preparation Instructions:
Microwave for 90 seconds or bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until caramelized.
5. Brand Canned Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) $1.69/15 oz
These pantry MVPs are creamy and consistently cooked, making them ideal for salads, hummus, or roasting.
Nutritional Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
Chickpeas, water, salt, disodium EDTA (to preserve color).
Preparation Instructions:
Drain and rinse before use. For roasting, toss with oil and spices, bake at 400°F for 25–30 mins.
6. Bakery Mini Muffins (Blueberry & Banana Nut) $6.99/11.8 oz
Perfect for on-the-go snacks or party trays, these mini muffins are moist, flavorful, and a lifesaver for school events or brunch.
Nutritional Facts (per muffin):
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 13g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Flour, sugar, eggs, blueberries/bananas, canola oil, leavening agents.
Preparation Instructions:
Serve at room temp. Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
7. Deli Sub Sandwiches Starting at $8.99/1 Each
The beloved “Pub Sub” is a regional legend. Choose your bread, meats, cheeses, and toppings—it’s fully customizable and consistently satisfying.
Nutritional Facts (Turkey Sub on white):
- Calories: 640
- Total Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 63g
- Sodium: 1540mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 35g
Ingredients:
Sub roll, deli meats, cheeses, fresh toppings, condiments.
Preparation Instructions:
Made fresh to order. Best consumed same day for optimal flavor and texture.
8. Bakery Key Lime Pie with Almond Crust Edge $11.99/34 oz
Tangy, creamy, and not too sweet—this bakery favorite nails the classic Florida dessert. The almond-crust ring is a tasty upgrade.
Nutritional Facts (1/8 pie slice):
- Calories: 360
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 46g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, eggs, graham crust, almonds.
Preparation Instructions:
Chill and serve. Pairs great with whipped cream or fresh berries.
9. Bakery Brioche Hamburger Buns $4.69/4 Ct
Soft, rich, and slightly sweet, these buns upgrade any burger, pulled pork sandwich, or breakfast creation. Freezer-friendly, too.
Nutritional Facts (per bun):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Enriched flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, yeast, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Toast lightly before use. Freeze extras for up to 3 months.
10. GreenWise Organic or Lactose-Free Milk $5.99/half gallon
Creamy, fresh, and trusted for quality, GreenWise milk is a top-tier organic option. Also available in lactose-free varieties.
Nutritional Facts (per 1 cup):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients:
Organic milk (or lactose-free milk), vitamin D3.
Preparation Instructions:
Refrigerate at or below 40°F. Shake before using.
11. Bakery Pre-Rolled Fresh Pizza Dough $4.99/15 oz
Skip the flour mess—this ready-to-use dough saves time and delivers a chewy, golden crust with little effort.
Nutritional Facts (per 1/6 dough):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Carbs: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients:
Flour, water, yeast, olive oil, sugar, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Let dough come to room temp. Bake at 450°F for 12–15 minutes with toppings.
12. No Sugar Added Dried Mango Slices $4.99/4 oz
Addictive and naturally sweet, these dried mango strips are a healthy snack staple with no added sugars or preservatives.
Nutritional Facts (per 5 pieces):
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 33g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Dried mango.
Preparation Instructions:
Ready to eat. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate after opening for freshness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a longtime Publix shopper or new to the aisles, these 12 editor-approved items are more than just groceries—they’re time-savers, flavor enhancers, and pantry powerhouses. Next time you’re making your list, make sure these go-to picks are in your cart!
