14 Must Try Items If You’re Shopping at Publix for the First Time

Walking into Publix for the first time feels like stepping into a store locals already know inside out. You see the deli line, the fresh produce, the polished floors, and you realize quickly that this place takes its reputation seriously. Shopping here can feel overwhelming at first because there are so many customer favorites that regulars pick up automatically. The good news is anyone can learn fast. Once you know the key must try items, your next trip becomes much easier and more enjoyable because you shop like someone who has been going for years.

1. Publix Chicken Tender Sub

You can’t walk into Publix without hearing about the famous chicken tender sub. People talk about it the way others talk about regional sandwiches that define whole cities. The bread is soft with just enough chew, the chicken tenders are crisp and hot, and the toppings let you build it exactly the way you like. If you’re new, order it fresh from the deli, not prepackaged, because it tastes better made to order. Ask for buffalo sauce, ranch, or simply go classic with lettuce and tomato. It’s the one item locals recommend without hesitation.

2. Publix Sweet Tea

If you live in the Southeast, sweet tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a baseline expectation, and Publix delivers. The gallon jugs in the refrigerated section have the balance that’s hard to get right at home, not too strong and not too light. The taste feels like something you’d get at a family picnic, and it pairs well with most deli meals. Many Publix shoppers buy one every trip and keep it on hand for guests. If you prefer less sweetness, the unsweet version is just as reliable and worth trying alongside the classic.

3. Publix Bakery Cookies

The bakery cookies don’t look fancy at first glance, but you’ll understand their loyal following the moment you try one. The chocolate chip version is soft, buttery, and loaded with chips that taste like something closer to homemade than generic grocery store cookies. Many longtime shoppers grab a box for work, school events, or house guests because they’re easy crowd pleasers. If you’re unsure what to try, start with the classic variety before exploring seasonal flavors. The bakery keeps them fresh and consistent, making them a reliable treat every time you visit.

4. Publix Rotisserie Chicken

Publix rotisserie chicken might be the most useful item you can pack into your cart. It’s hot, well seasoned, and makes meal prep easier on busy nights when you don’t want to cook from scratch. You can shred it for tacos, slice it for sandwiches, or serve it as is with a quick side from the deli. It tastes fresher than many grocery store versions because Publix turns them regularly throughout the day. If you want variety, look for lemon pepper or mojo flavors, both popular with shoppers who buy them weekly.

5. Pub Sub White Bread

Even if you aren’t ordering a full deli sub, picking up a loaf of Publix sub sandwich bread is worth the trip. The white version has a texture that balances softness with just enough structure to hold up to fillings, sauces, and spreads. People use it for homemade sandwiches, garlic bread, or toasted breakfast creations. The bakery bakes it multiple times per day, so you often get it warm, which makes it even better. It’s one of those small items locals buy without thinking but newcomers usually discover after a few visits.

6. Publix Fried Chicken

If you don’t feel like waiting in the deli sub line, grabbing a box of Publix fried chicken is a smart move. The breading stays crisp, the seasoning is balanced, and the meat stays juicy even if you’re taking it home to reheat. Many families rely on it for weeknight dinners when time is tight, and it works for picnics or tailgates too. You’ll usually find mixed piece options, so you can pick what you prefer. The flavor beats many fast food chains, and it’s consistent enough that regulars come back for it often.

7. Publix Bakery White Mountain Bread

This bread shows up in many local homes because it works for breakfast toast, sandwiches, or simple snacks with butter or jam. The texture is soft but not flimsy, and the crust has enough structure to feel satisfying without being tough. It toasts beautifully, which makes it a favorite for egg breakfasts and grilled cheese sandwiches. People often find themselves buying it weekly because it feels fresher than many packaged loaves on the shelf. If you’re trying it for the first time, grab it from the bakery early in the day for the best freshness.

8. Publix Premium Ice Cream

Publix Premium ice cream may not have the fancy marketing of boutique brands, but the flavor lineup speaks for itself. You get rich texture and mix-ins that feel generous instead of stingy, with classics like mint chocolate chip, chocolate trinity, and cookies and cream getting strong loyalty from longtime shoppers. It’s a solid pick for dessert after picking up fried chicken or subs for dinner, and it often goes on sale, making it even more appealing. For first-timers, try one of the top selling flavors to understand why locals keep a carton in the freezer.

9. Publix Deli Macaroni and Cheese

The deli macaroni and cheese is popular because it’s comforting without pretending to be something fancy. You get a creamy texture, good cheese flavor, and a heat-and-eat side that works with almost any deli main dish. Many shoppers pair it with chicken tenders, rotisserie chicken, or fried chicken for fast weeknight dinners. It reheats well, which isn’t always true for grocery store sides, and the serving size is enough for multiple people. If you want to stretch it further, add extra cheese or bake it in the oven for a crisp top layer.

10. Publix Cheddar Cheese

Publix store brand cheddar tends to surprise newcomers because it costs less than premium brands while delivering a flavor that holds up on crackers, sandwiches, and cooking. It melts smoothly, which makes it a good choice for mac and cheese, burgers, grilled cheese, or casseroles, and it grates easily without falling apart. Families who cook regularly buy it because it works for everyday recipes and stays consistent in taste every time. If you want a stronger flavor, look for sharp or extra sharp, which both hold their own without overwhelming other ingredients.

11. Publix Deli Potato Salad

Publix potato salad is the kind of side that shows up at family gatherings, lake days, or tailgates because it tastes like something someone made in their own kitchen. The texture leans creamy without turning mushy, and the seasoning feels balanced instead of overly sweet or bland. It pairs well with fried chicken, deli sandwiches, and grilled dishes, which is why regulars grab it as a dependable side. If you like a stronger mustard presence or prefer a deeper savory flavor, try one of the specialty versions that rotate in certain locations.

12. Publix GreenWise Products

GreenWise is Publix’s in house line focusing on natural and organic offerings, and it’s a good choice if you prefer fewer additives in everyday products. You’ll find snacks, meats, dairy, and pantry items under the label, many with shorter ingredient lists than mainstream equivalents. The pricing lands below national organic brands, which makes it easier to shop this way without overspending. If you’re new, start with basics like milk, oatmeal, or sandwich breads to compare the difference. Regular shoppers often mix GreenWise with standard Publix items depending on their weekly needs.

13. Publix Baked Chicken Tenders

If fried chicken tends to feel heavy for weeknight meals, the baked tenders are a lighter option many families rely on. They’re seasoned well, hold their texture, and heat up quickly when you need something that feels complete without deep frying. Kids tend to like them because the flavor is mild but satisfying, and they work in wraps, salads, or with simple sides. Regular shoppers often pick up a pack to keep the refrigerator stocked for easy lunches and dinners. It’s one of those quiet menu items you end up returning to often.

14. Publix Sheet Cakes

Publix sheet cakes are well known across the Southeast because they manage the balance many grocery store bakeries miss. The frosting is sweet without overwhelming the cake, and the crumb feels soft and moist instead of dense. People order them for birthdays, school events, graduations, and office celebrations, and they hold up well when sliced. The decoration options are wide enough that you can customize without much effort, and the ordering process is usually fast. If you have a celebration coming up, it’s an easy win that regular customers trust repeatedly.