Publix is an iconic Southern grocery chain that’s beloved to many. The store is well-known for high-quality private-label groceries, next-level deli items (hi, Pub Subs!) and tasty bakery treats. They’ve got a household name for a reason, after all. But just like any other store, there are hits and there are misses.
Below, we’re highlighting a few of the most popular and highest rated Publix items to make sure to add to your cart—and the items that are better off left on the shelf (or behind the deli counter). From famed fried chicken to boring sandwiches, read on for the scoop.
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Publix Items to Buy
1. Publix Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
If you love spicy food, Publix’s Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are one deli item to add to your list. These tenders are seasoned with a bold spicy rub and served fresh from the deli counter, making them a flavorful alternative to the store’s classic fried chicken.
Food reviewers say the tenders deliver a satisfying kick while still maintaining juicy, tender meat. One review rated them a 9 out of 10, praising the strong seasoning and the way the heat pairs well with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.
So, there you have it. Publix may be known for its friendly service and clean stores, but it’s the groceries—especially the deli and bakery items—that keep customers coming back. From the famous chicken tender sub to indulgent chocolate almonds and bakery cakes, these products consistently earn top ratings from shoppers who swear by them.
2. GreenWise Dark Chocolate Almonds
For a sweet snack, GreenWise Dark Chocolate Almonds—part of Publix’s natural and organic line—are another highly rated product. The snack combines crunchy almonds with rich dark chocolate for a satisfying balance of sweetness and texture.
Reviews highlight the high-quality chocolate coating and the freshness of the almonds, making it a popular option for dessert, snacking, or even gifting.
3. Publix Sweetened Brewed Iced Tea
If you’ve ever spent time in the South, you know sweet tea is a staple—and Publix’s version has become a fan favorite. The store’s sweetened brewed iced tea is often highlighted as a refreshing drink to pair with deli sandwiches or fried chicken.
Shoppers say the flavor strikes the perfect balance between strong tea and sweetness. Reviews describe it as a classic Southern-style beverage that tastes homemade rather than bottled. Its affordability and convenience make it one of the most frequently recommended beverages at the store.
4. Publix Bakery Bar Cakes
Publix’s bakery is known for its desserts, and the bar cakes in particular have earned glowing reviews online. These small cakes—available in flavors like cookies and cream, carrot cake, and red velvet—are popular for birthdays and quick celebrations.
One shopper reviewing a cookies-and-cream bar cake wrote that it was "delicious… chocolaty and moist," adding that the cream cheese icing "wasn’t too sweet and went perfectly with the chocolate." Many customers say these taste fresher than packaged grocery store cakes.
5. Publix Deli Fried Chicken
Publix’s deli fried chicken is another fan favorite that earns consistently high praise from shoppers. The chicken is hand-breaded and double-fried, creating a crispy coating with juicy meat inside. Because it’s sold hot and ready to eat, it’s a go-to option for quick dinners, parties, or tailgates.
Reviews highlight both flavor and value. Many shoppers say the chicken tastes just as good as what you’d get from a dedicated fried chicken restaurant. One review described it as "as good as any option you can purchase in other restaurants," emphasizing its crispy texture and rich flavor.
6. Publix Chicken Tender Sub
The Publix Chicken Tender Sub—often called a "Pub Sub"—is easily one of the grocery store’s most famous menu items. Made with crispy fried chicken tenders, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and fresh bread, the sandwich has become something of a cultural staple for Publix shoppers.
Reviewers frequently rave about the generous portions and customizable toppings. One reviewer said the sandwich was so good they had "wasted 15 years of [their] life not getting this sub," calling it absolutely "amazing." The ability to add sauces, vegetables, and different cheeses also makes it perfect for customers who want something a little more personalized.
7. Key Lime Pie
Who says you have to put in some serious kitchen labor or drop big bucks to enjoy a delicious, refreshing key lime pie? Especially in the summer, we love indulging in this citrus-forward treat, and Publix makes it easier than ever to take a key lime pie home.
"When I'm not making my own Key lime pie, this is my go-to option," writes native Floridian and Southern Living writer Lisa Cericola. "It's the right shade of pale yellow and super creamy. And the ring of almonds around the edge makes it a little different." Yum! This is a dessert you should always add to your cart if you've got a sweet tooth.
8. Canned Chickpeas
Whether you follow a plant-based diet or are just a fan of Mediterranean food, chickpeas are a pantry staple for many. And if you're looking for high quality at a great price, Publix brand is the way to go when it comes to these beloved legumes.
"Publix is my go-to brand," says Cericola. "Unlike other canned chickpeas, these are typically uniform in size and you don't get any of those weird gray ones floating around in there." That definitely makes this canned good a worthy product in your Publix cart. Stock up!
9. Pizza Dough
Great store-bought pizza dough is practically priceless. Pizza night is a delicious, simple way to get dinner on the table on busy weeknights. And while we're a big fan of Trader Joe's dough, this Publix option may give them a run for their money.
"We eat a lot of pizza at our house because of this dough, which is available in the bakery," writes Cericola. "If it's available, I prefer the pre-rolled kind. All you have to do is let the dough come to room temperature, then unfold it right onto a (preheated) baking sheet. Add some toppings, and dinner's done." Easy as that!
10. Chicken Broth
Soup is one of the easiest, stress-free meals to prep and eat all week. There are tons of great recipes to choose from—and they all involve broth. Chicken broth is a staple to keep on hand for those nights you're ready to chop veggies and throw 'em in a big pot. According to Eating Well editor Abigail Abesamis Demarest, Publix brand is a great choice.
"The first thing I see when I walk into my local Publix is their 'buy one, get one' bins. The contents of these bins vary from week to week, and lately I've been seeing boxes of broth," she writes. "I tend to stock up when I see the broth on sale." It's a good habit to check those bins and grab the broth when you can!
11. Chopped Salad Kits
Need a nutritious lunch in a pinch? Salads are always a great way to go, but they can involve a lot of prep. That's where chopped salad kits like the kind Publix keeps stocked come in handy. Demarest gives this go-to grocery item her seal of approval, too.
"Publix sells a bunch of different options, and they often go on sale for two for $7. My favorite is a sweet kale kit that includes green cabbage, broccoli stalks, kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, radicchio, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and a poppyseed dressing," she praises.
Publix Items to Avoid
1. Deli Veggie Sub
Not all Pub Subs are created equally. According to shoppers online, the Deli Veggie Sub is better off avoided. Critics say the sandwich, which includes provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a whole wheat sub, is bland. "I gotta say guys, this sandwich definitely needed some sauce or something added to it. It was so bland," one TikToker posted.
Food writer Sarah Bisacca even placed this sub last in her Pub Sub ranking, saying it "felt like a salad trapped in a carb shell — mostly lettuce, minimal payoff." Heard!
2. Bacon Cheeseburger Dip
Bacon cheeseburgers are certainly delicious, but when you put this greasy fast food staple into dip form, it gets a little questionable. This Publix spread contains ground beef, cheddar, bacon, pickles, onions, may, and mustard. This is already unappetizing enough to us—and reviewers online confirm our suspicions
One Reddit user put the problem pretty succinctly: "It's like somebody chewed up a burger and spit it in my mouth." Gross! We'll pass, please.
3. Banana Pudding
If you've got a sweet tooth for creamy desserts, it's likely you're a fan of a good old banana pudding. But unfortunately, with the Publix Deli Banana Pudding might be tempting, shoppers online say it's not worth it when it comes to the quality of this dessert, claiming it tastes artificial.
"The actual pudding itself could be a bit sweeter, the wafer to pudding ratio is a bit lacking, and there is NO whipped cream or whipped topping at all," writes one Redditor. Sad!
4. Southern Style Potato Salad
Potato salad is a Southern stable, especially when the warmer weather rolls around and it's time for picnics and cookouts. But according to posters, you're better off sticking to homemade varieties or finding your store-bought potato salad elsewhere. Publix Deli's version doesn't make the cut.
In a post titled "Publix Brand items that went from good to bad to unbuyable in Tampa," one Reddit user listened this product, writing: "Just flavorless potatoes drenched in ultra fat mayonnaise...disgusting." Yeah, we'll skip this one.
5. 2% Milk
White non-dairy milks may be all the rage these days, many of us still reach for good old cow's milk. However, you might not want to indulge in Publix brand 2% milk, according to the aforementioned Reddit thread.
"It tastes like dishwater and chemically now... the flavor of the milk is gone and it smells sour just opening the container when the milk is still good... just strange," the poster wrote. We definitely don't want that in our cereal! In fact, we might go with oat milk...
6. Chocolate Chip Brookies
Here's another sweet treat you're better off skipping, according to food reviewers. Sure, a brookie sounds incredible. What's better than a combination of brownie and cookie? But Takeout writer Rachel Sobel ranks this item dead last in her list of the best and worst Publix baked goods.
"The Publix brookies are a disappointment. They lack the signature soft, moist texture of other Publix cakes and pies, and it was a total bummer," she wrote. The chocolate chips in the cookie portion were dry and chalky, and the brownie portion did not taste fresh." Say it ain't so!
7. Tuna Salad Sub
If you think the tuna salad Pub Sub is a better option than the veggie sub, you're only a little bit correct. This sandwich is second to last in Bisacca's ranking. It's got all the normal ingredients you'd expect in a tuna salad: tuna, mayo, pickle relish, celery, red peppers, onions, and seasoning. But according to Bisacca, it "doesn't quite meet the mark."
She calls out the pitiful portion size, canned flavor, and fishy aftertaste. That's okay. We prefer homemade tuna salad, anyway.
