When my usual grocery routine feels stale, I look beyond familiar staples for ingredients that bring different traditions to everyday meals. These seven Publix finds are the international picks I’d gladly add to my cart.
Prices were checked at a Publix in Atlanta on November 14; they vary by store and change with each week’s ad.
1. Mackays Lemon Curd
Breakfast feels a little more special with this traditional Scottish lemon curd, made in copper pans. The 12-ounce jar also earns its keep when I need a quick filling for pastries or an easy finish for dessert.
Taste: The lemon flavor is bright and sweet-tangy rather than sharply sour. Its smooth, creamy consistency spreads easily without feeling runny.
Make It Better: Swirl a spoonful into yogurt, or spread it over sourdough with butter for a simple breakfast that tastes surprisingly polished.
Parting Thoughts: Lemon-dessert devotees should find plenty of reasons to finish this jar.
2. Krinos Tahini Ground Sesame Seeds
A jar of tahini turns basic pantry cooking into something far more versatile, whether I am making hummus, baba ganoush, or a Mediterranean-style dressing. This 16-ounce sesame paste is especially handy for meatless lunches and vegetable-heavy dinners.
Taste: Expect a rich, nutty sesame flavor with a mild savory edge. The texture is notably creamy and smooth once the jar is stirred well.
Make It Better: Whisk it with water and your preferred seasonings for a pourable dressing, then drizzle it over vegetables or falafel.
Parting Thoughts: For cooks who enjoy making dips and dressings from scratch, it is a genuinely useful staple.
3. La Costeña Chipotles Peppers in Adobo Sauce
Smoky canned peppers can rescue a flat pot of chili, a weeknight marinade, or homemade salsa with very little effort. La Costeña’s chipotles bring a distinctly Mexican sweet-smoky dimension, though heat-sensitive cooks should start small.
Taste: The peppers deliver bold smoke, noticeable heat, and a tangy adobo backdrop. They are soft and tender, surrounded by a thick, intensely flavored sauce.
Make It Better: Blend a little pepper and sauce into marinades, eggs, or potatoes, then freeze any extras in small portions for later.
Parting Thoughts: One can goes a long way, making this a smart pick for anyone who likes controlled bursts of smoky heat.
4. Branston Original Pickle
Cheese sandwiches are exactly where this classic English pickle proves its worth. The chunky vegetable relish also belongs beside cold meats for a ploughman’s-style lunch when crackers and plain cheddar need more personality.
Taste: Sweetness and tang come first, followed by warm spice and savory vegetable flavor. Its chunky pieces sit in a thick sauce, so every spoonful has real texture.
Make It Better: Pair it with cheddar or ham, or stir a small spoonful into shepherd’s pie filling for added depth.
Parting Thoughts: The distinctive sweet-savory profile is worth trying, but straightforward dill-pickle loyalists may prefer to pass.
5. Cleveland Kitchen Kimchi, Classic
From the refrigerated produce area, this vegan kimchi is an accessible way to add Korean-style fermented cabbage to rice bowls, eggs, or avocado toast. Its thick cut makes it substantial enough to serve as a side rather than merely a garnish.
Taste: Spicy, tangy, and garlicky flavors meet the lively sharpness of fermentation. The cabbage stays thick and crunchy, giving rich dishes a welcome snap.
Make It Better: Pile it onto fried rice or burgers, or let its tang cut through a soft egg and creamy avocado.
Parting Thoughts: Crunch and fermentation are the appeal here, so anyone who dislikes pronounced tang should choose another find.
6. Badia The Original Complete Seasoning – $4.79
Weeknight rice, beans, fish, and vegetables all benefit from this all-purpose Latin seasoning’s garlic, onion, and spice profile. It is $4.79, and the store checked was offering Buy 1 Get 1 Free through 11/17, though that promotion can change by week and location.
Taste: The blend adds a savory garlic-onion-herb boost without introducing a chunky texture. Its fine powder distributes evenly across proteins, grains, soups, and vegetables.
Make It Better: Use a light hand at first, especially when the rest of the dish already contains seasoned ingredients, then adjust before serving.
Parting Thoughts: Busy cooks will appreciate how easily this bottle gives everyday food a more rounded savory base.
7. Goya Thai Jasmine Rice
A 10-pound bag makes sense for households that regularly serve curries, stir-fries, or rice-centered dinners. This certified first-quality jasmine rice is imported from Thailand and gives Southeast Asian meals an appropriately fragrant foundation.
Taste: Cooked grains have a slightly floral, gently nutty aroma and a delicate flavor that supports bold sauces. Properly prepared, the long grains turn fluffy and remain distinct.
Make It Better: Rinse the rice before cooking, then serve it beneath curry or alongside a stir-fry so it can catch every bit of sauce.
Parting Thoughts: Frequent rice eaters can justify the bulk bag; occasional cooks may find the size more commitment than convenience.
