Shopping at Publix is a pleasure, but how much more is it costing?
Sure, Publix has a lot going for it. The fresh-baked bread, bakery cakes, famous deli subs, fried chicken, and weekly BOGOs have earned the chain a loyal following.
But when the grocery list sticks to everyday staples, does that familiar Publix experience come with a higher checkout bill?
I compared 11 common grocery items at Publix, Walmart, and Target in Central Florida on Nov. 5 and found that Publix had the highest total, while the same basket at Walmart came in nearly $14 cheaper.
Here’s what the same grocery list cost at each store:
- Publix: $53.13
- Walmart: $38.96
- Target: $42.86
The Publix cart cost $14.17 more than Walmart’s and $10.27 more than Target’s. The Target cart landed $3.90 above Walmart.
In addition, for all but one item, Publix’s price was the highest, and for all but two items, Walmart’s price was the lowest.
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The grocery list, item by item
The price check included bananas, Red Baron pepperoni pizza, Ragu pasta sauce, Barilla pasta, Simply Orange juice, large eggs, 80/20 ground beef, Lay’s BBQ chips, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Special K Protein cereal, and Diet Pepsi.
Although prices vary by store location, the comparison reflects the average cost of the same grocery basket across the three stores surveyed in the region.
Here’s how much each item cost at each store:
|
Item |
Publix Price |
Target Price |
Walmart Price |
|
Bananas |
$1.04 |
$1.16 |
$0.80 |
|
Red Baron pepperoni pizza |
$5.75 |
$4.99 |
$4.82 |
|
Ragu pasta sauce |
$3.35 |
$2.49 |
$2.53 |
|
Barilla pasta |
$1.99 |
$1.89 |
$1.88 |
|
Simply Orange juice |
$5.29 |
$4.99 |
$4.64 |
|
Dozen large eggs |
$2.19 |
$1.59 |
$1.67 |
|
80/20 ground beef |
$0.47 per oz. |
$0.46 per oz. |
$0.43 per oz. |
|
Lay’s BBQ chips |
$4.29 |
$3.29 |
$2.50 |
|
Kraft Mac & Cheese |
$1.79 |
$1.39 |
$1.24 |
|
Special K Protein cereal |
$5.79 |
$5.29 |
$4.98 |
|
Diet Pepsi |
$11.61 |
$8.39 |
$6.97 |
Package sizes were the same across all three stores. One exception was bananas, which, when sold as bunches, may contain different quantities of the fruit.
Another exception was ground beef, for which I calculated a per-ounce price to enable an apples-to-apples comparison. I also limited this particular comparison to each store’s least expensive variety of 80/20 ground beef.
Publix BOGOs can make a difference, but there’s a catch
Buy one, get one free, better known as BOGO deals, are part of what keeps shoppers checking Publix’s weekly ads. The promotions can offer real savings, particularly when a household already needs two of the same product.
But there’s a detail that matters depending on where shoppers live. Publix’s BOGO rules aren’t the same in every state.
In Florida, shoppers must purchase both qualifying items to get the second one free. Buying just one doesn’t qualify for a half-price discount. At Publix stores in other states, shoppers generally have the option of buying two and getting one free or purchasing a single item at 50% off.
That gives shoppers outside Florida more flexibility. Someone who only needs one package of bagels or one box of cereal can still take advantage of the promotion without buying an extra item.
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Of course, a BOGO deal isn’t automatically the lowest price. If an item costs $6 at Publix and $2.50 at another store, paying $6 for two items through a BOGO promotion may be a good deal compared with Publix’s regular price, but it still costs more than buying one elsewhere. The best comparison is the price per item, ounce, or pound.
And buying a second product only because it’s free can add to the grocery bill if it wasn’t needed in the first place.
Is the Publix premium worth it?
Shopping at Publix is about the experience. The stores are known for clean aisles, neatly stocked shelves and employees who are willing to stop and help customers find what they’re looking for.
Checkout tends to feel more personal, too, with friendly cashiers and baggers who offer to carry groceries out to the car.
Those small touches can make a routine shopping trip more pleasant, particularly for shoppers who don’t enjoy crowded, hectic stores. At a time when households are watching every dollar, however, the added convenience may be harder to justify.
Some shoppers are willing to pay a little extra for that experience, while others would rather keep the savings.
