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16 Items Retirees Should Buy at Publix

Maximize your retirement budget with these Publix must-haves.

american supermarket chain
Updated Aug. 14, 2024
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You may be one of the lucky retirees who have a Publix near you, especially if you live in Florida. The supermarket chain has 1,377 stores in the South, with a whopping 873 locations in the Sunshine State alone.

With so many retirees in the region, there are plenty of deals and product opportunities that you should be taking advantage of if you've retired. 

Check out these Publix deals if you’re looking for smart shopping hacks to help you stretch your retirement dollars further.

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Oven-roasted chicken

Steve/Adobe slicing chicken on cutting board

One Publix staple is its oven-roasted chicken, which is a great buy for retirees.

You can pick up a chicken as a meal or pick it apart to add to recipes like chicken salads or chicken soups to give them a more robust roasted chicken flavor.

Ready-made dishes

Brent Hofacker/Adobe home crispy popcorn chicken

Easy, ready-made dishes can help you get dinner on the table after a long day of having fun or just relaxing in retirement.

Check out Publix’s popcorn chicken option for an easy bite in the deli section of your favorite Publix.

Healthy items

LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe smiling pensioner taking bags

Publix’s Greenwise label is an affordable way to add organic and healthy products to your diet without busting your wallet.

You can check out meats, dairy items, and fruits and vegetables with the Greenwise label at your local Publix to add healthier options to your kitchen.

Remember that store brands can help you save money, too. A great way to save at other stores is to skip the name brand for the store brand, which may be of similar quality and taste.

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Salads

Nadianb/Adobe salad from leaves and tomatoes

It can be hard to make a meal when there’s just you or your spouse when you’re retired, so pre-made meals can be a good and affordable option.

Publix has some great pre-made salads for you to choose from, such as a quinoa salad packed with vegetables or a traditional Greek salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.

Water bottles

Shark749/Adobe pouring water into glass

Publix doesn’t just carry food. You can also grab non-food items for your home or go out when you’re retired. One great option is a water bottle, which can keep you hydrated while you’re out and about.

It’s also important to know that you’re more susceptible to dehydration as you get older, so having a water bottle handy can be a healthy way to stay hydrated.

Sandwiches

FomaA/Adobe close up on the table

Stock up on pre-made sandwiches to take with you for volunteer work or a nice picnic lunch for a retiree adventure.

Publix has some great options for retirees, including a Sausalito sandwich or a Cuban sandwich, depending on what you want for a particular outing.

Greeting cards

Kate/Adobe card with the inscription

There are plenty of friends and family who want to hear from you, and you’ll have extra time to write a note when you don’t have to go to work.

Spend some of your retired days writing cards and sending celebratory messages to friends and family with greeting cards from Publix.

You may want to check the aisles and stock up if there’s a sale so you have some stashed away for every occasion.

Canned foods

sheilaf2002/Adobe cans of market pantry vegetables

You may not be able to get out every night to eat or might be at home making a single meal, such as soup and a salad or sandwich.

Stock up on shelf-stable canned items like soups, vegetables, and sauces, so you have something on hand whenever you need a meal idea.

Side dishes

Brent Hofacker/Adobe yummy homeade macaroni salad

You may need an easy side dish for a night in or to take with you for a gathering with friends or family.

Check out the Publix selection of pre-made side dishes, such as egg salad or potato salad, for the next get-together or barbecue.

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Insulated coolers

Mia/Adobe blue insulated bag for camping

You may have more time to get out and be active or take a fun picnic now that you don’t have your time dominated by work.

Grab an insulated cooler from Publix to pack up sandwiches, drinks, and other cold groceries if you want to spend some time having a good time away from home.

Desserts

Keitma/Adobe cat kitten celebrating his birthday

You can always enjoy desserts regardless of age, so consider heading to Publix for some good deals on cakes and other baked goods.

Publix’s bakery offers affordable cakes to help you celebrate birthdays, retirements, or anything else without busting your wallet with expensive items.

You can also try the store’s famous confetti bar cake, which Publix fans consider perfect for special celebrations.

Seasonal items

Monkey Business/Adobe wearing bunny ears

Check out Publix for seasonal items that you can bring home to celebrate fun days when you’re retired.

You can get cakes for Easter or Halloween or grab some Christmas cards to ensure you always have the right one on hand.

And check for items on sale after the holidays so you can stock up for next year’s festivities while still staying within your budget.

Coffee

Amenic181/Adobe hand pouring steaming coffee

You don’t need to make a to-go cup of coffee in the morning before you head to work now that you’re retired. But you can still enjoy a nice cup for your retired mornings instead.

Publix has plenty of options for you to choose from, including K-Cups if you’re just making a serving for yourself.

Frozen veggies

New Africa/Adobe different frozen vegetables in refrigerator

Add some veggies to your freezer so you don’t have to worry about finishing fresh veggies if it’s just you or you and your spouse.

You can pick up several different options from the Publix freezer section depending on your favorite vegetables or ones that will work best with your planned main dishes for the week.

Baking products

JHVEPhoto/Adobe sugar bags on the shelf

Now that you’re retired, you may have more time to bake your own bread, desserts, and other sweet treats.

Check out the aisles of Publix for affordable options like sugar, flour, and cake mix to keep your kitchen running smoothly when you want to make something delicious.

Multivitamins

fizkes/Adobe supplements or vitamin medication

Stay healthy and fit with multivitamins that can give you an extra boost as you get older.

Publix has a selection of multivitamins for you to choose from, including its store brand of vitamins that can help you save money.

Bottom line

John Mantell Photo/Adobe florida headquarters located in lakeland

Publix can be a good option if you’re trying to save money on a fixed income as a retiree. Remember to consider your budget when shopping and try to find extra deals at Publix if you’re on a fixed income.

It’s also a good idea to use a rewards credit card when shopping to help you earn cash back and save even more. 

There are plenty of ways to save money while still shopping at your favorite grocery store, which will come in handy throughout your retirement years. 

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