Publix is a popular grocery store among many for good reason: from affordable prices and daily deals to its wide selection of fresh, in-house items, it's pretty impossible to leave feeling dissatisfied (or with an empty shopping cart).
Publix isn't just known for having great options down the aisles for packaged goods and other shopping essentials. It's also well-stocked in grab-and-go items, found in various departments, including the bakery and deli. While it's common to do a big, weekly shopping trip at Publix and leave with a car full of bags, there are times when you may just stop in for a quick bite or easy lunch or dinner to eat on the fly.
And, even if you're a meal prep champ, it's hard to cook everything from scratch for days at a time. Sometimes you'll benefit instead from picking up a few ready-to-eat items, especially on those extra busy weeks. To save you time and hassle, we've made a list of the most popular picks, according to dietitians, food bloggers, and customers (including myself, as Publix is my favorite grocery store!).
The Best Grab and Go Food from Publix
Publix Deli Original, Oven Roasted Chicken
Publix's famous rotisserie chicken (and by "famous" I mean it's a staple in many homes) has great flavor, texture, and price point, and it can feed a crowd or be used multiple times (in many ways) during the week, too. There are a few rubs to choose from based on in-store availability. "Rotisserie chicken is delicious and tasty due to its tender and juicy meat that is seasoned with herbs and spices," says registered dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD. Its skin is nice and crispy, which adds texture and flavor, and you can store it for days at home, where it won't spoil fast. The best part? Each bird costs only $6-7.
Sourdough French Bread
The bakery at Publix smells incredible. There's something about Publix's bread that makes it so good and fresh. You can smell its freshness a mile away and its dough is perfectly fluffy and soft. Buy it on the go as a loaf (most are pre-sliced, but some are whole), roll, or baguette. Best loves the Sourdough French Bread (12-ounces/1-foot long). "It has a tangy and slightly sour flavor, as well as a soft and chewy texture, and is easy to eat on the go or as a quick snack, without requiring utensils or causing a mess," Best says. Use it in sandwiches, toast, or bread pudding. It keeps a while, as sourdough has a longer shelf-life than most breads. Each loaf is around $2-3.
Publix Deli Quinoa Grab and Go Salad
The deli department has a nice selection of antipasto salads and spreads, deli sandwiches, and other cold lunch or breakfast items—all of which are portable and can be enjoyed on the spot. A popular option is the quinoa salad, which consists of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and herbs that are dressed with a homemade flavorful vinaigrette. Best likes it because it's "a healthy and filling option that can be eaten as a meal or side dish." Additionally, quinoa salad stays fresh when stored in the fridge for a few days, which makes it a convenient option for meal prepping or any last-minute lunches. The price is low, at $5-6 per container, which serves a generous amount.
Publix Deli Traditional Greek Style Salad
If you prefer savory greens, Best suggests the Greek salad, which combines fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and olives, with a light, tangy dressing for flavor. "The Greek-style salad is a healthy and refreshing option for a meal or side dish," Best says. And, as with the quinoa salad, will keep well for a few days in the fridge without compromising freshness or quality. The price is also around $5-6 per container.
Publix Deli Cuban Grab and Go Sandwich
If you're looking for a quick meal and don't have time to customize a Pub sub, it's an excellent option (especially if you have something to accompany it, like a salad, bag of chips, cookie, or fruit). "Even without, it's a good-sized sandwich that's more affordable than fast food in many cases," suggests consumer analyst Julie Ramhold with DealNews.com, a shopping comparison site. "This Grab & Go Cuban sandwich from the deli is a better alternative to boring ham sandwiches in my opinion and they typically cost around $5-$6," Ramhold says.
Boar's Head Salsalito Grab and Go Sandwich
You can find Boar's Head products in Publix's deli department for on-the-go meals. The Salsalito uses premium Boar's Head, so it's a bit more expensive and costs around $7-8 per sandwich. "It's one of my favorites because it actually packs some good flavor for the price," Ramhold says. "The sandwich is made with Boar's Head Salsalito turkey breast which has a nice spicy kick to it while the Monterey Jack cheese helps to cool things down a bit," Ramhold notes. If you crave bold flavors, it's an easy pick, and even if the price is higher, it's well-sized and definitely satisfying.
Confetti Bar Cake
Publix has a variety of "bar cakes" in the bakery, which cost $7-8 and are portioned well for households, as a ready-to-eat treat. "They're also good for picking up a few for a party without having to plan ahead and you can easily satisfy different tastes without spending a fortune," Ramhold notes. Other popular flavors include carrot and red velvet (they're usually available), but other flavors will periodically make an appearance, like salted caramel Heath bar. Definitely grab it if you love chocolate cake and happen to find one on the shelf—it's so good. Each cake serves six, but you may be able to serve up to eight, especially if you pair it with ice cream to add bulk and cut down on cake size, too. Publix is known for good cakes.
Popcorn Chicken
Publix's popcorn chicken is affordable and convenient (simply reheat at home, if bought chilled), where the large cups of popcorn chicken are only about $5-6, each. You'll find it in the deli department, with other hot picks of the day. "If you don't mind buying chilled versions of it, you can find containers with both popcorn chicken and sides, like mac and cheese, in the chilled sections for around $6-$7," Ramhold says. This way, you'll get extra items or sides, in true grab-and-go fashion.
Publix Deli Southern-Style Potato Salad
While Publix is best known for its selection of sandwiches made with deli meat and cheese, there are many on-the-go meal and snack options for vegans and vegetarians as well. "For example, the Southern Potato Salad ($2.75), which is my favorite Publix deli item, is flavorful and delicious," says Cassidy Reeser, MS, RDN, a vegetarian dietitian and food blogger. "The potato salad is a great addition to dinner," Reeser suggests, in terms of portion size. Add it to a bed of greens to bulk up a dinner salad within seconds.
Publix Deli Egg Salad
Another option is the egg salad, which comes in a big container for $5.50 and stays fresh in the fridge for a few days so you can use it later in the week, too. You'll get at least two servings per container, if not more, Reeser notes. "Leftover egg salad can be served on bread or with crackers and vegetables," Reeser suggests. And, it works well for adding to sandwiches, on top of greens, and using as a condiment for its creamy texture and bold flavor—an easy vehicle for meal prep.
Strawberry Parfait
For a protein-dense, filling, and flavorful breakfast that travels well and can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, snag a Publix Yogurt Parfait (in a flavor of your choice). And, you can also stock up on a few to keep at home so they're ready each morning, right when you need them. Each delectable parfait is layered with fresh fruit and granola and costs about $3.50. In addition to strawberry, there are a few other flavors that are often available, such as strawberry banana, blueberry, and mango.
