It’s December 19th, and if you’ve stepped into a Publix this week, you know the energy is electric. Between the frantic search for the last bag of fried onions and the checkout lines humming with holiday cheer, a few specific items have claimed “Main Character” status for 2025.
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate lunch to fuel your shopping or a “sleeper hit” dessert that will make you the hero of the holiday party, the internet—and the aisles—are buzzing about these three viral picks.
1. Turkey Cranberry Holiday Sub ($8.49 Sale / $10.49 Regular)
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The Buzz: It’s officially the “main character” of the Deli. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a seasonal event. Loaded with Ovengold turkey, stuffing, cranberry orange relish, and mayo, it is literally Thanksgiving dinner on a sub roll.
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Why Fans Love It: It’s a seasonal cult favorite that fans wait all year for. This week, many locations have it on sale, making it the most talked-about lunch in Florida and beyond.
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Pro-Tip: Are you a “cranberry on the side” person, or does it have to be on the sub? Many fans recommend getting the sauce on the side to keep that bread perfectly toasted.
2. Santa’s White Christmas Ice Cream ($5.00 Sale / $7.00 Regular)
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The Buzz: Inspired by the legendary Barnie’s Coffee flavor, this limited-edition half-gallon is disappearing from freezers faster than you can say “Ho Ho Ho.” It features a creamy coffee base with cocoa espresso flakes.
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Why Fans Love It: Coffee lovers track the release of this flavor like a sporting event. This week, the new Coffee Chai Latte is also getting rave reviews, but Santa’s White Christmas remains the undisputed heavyweight champion.
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The Warning: “Ice cream hunters” are clearing shelves for their holiday floats, so grab a container the moment you see it!
3. Peppermint Cocoa Cheesecake ($19.99 – $24.99)
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The Buzz: While everyone is distracted by the classic Raspberry Elegance cake, savvy foodies have discovered this “sleeper hit” in the bakery. It’s a rich, festive dessert that looks like it came from a $50 boutique bakery.
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Why Fans Love It: It’s a chocolate and peppermint explosion topped with marshmallows and ganache. It’s the perfect “wow” factor for your table without the premium custom-order price tag.
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Note: Whole cakes are moving fast! If you see it in the grab-and-go case, snag it; otherwise, you may need to place a 24-hour order through the bakery.
