Florida’s most beloved grocery chain is facing backlash from shoppers who say its prices have gone too far — especially in the meat department.
Publix, founded in Florida nearly 100 years ago, became the target of criticism after a Reddit post went viral showing the price of an organic prime beef tenderloin. The photo showed a 1.23-pound cut priced at $49.99 per pound, bringing the total to $61.49.
“Not only is this meat mediocre, it’s ridiculously priced,” the original poster wrote in the thread, titled “This is criminal.” “What the hell, Publix?!”
Other shoppers quickly joined in, expressing disbelief over the cost and comparing it to restaurant prices.
“For that price I’m going to LongHorn and have someone cook it for me,” one commenter wrote. Another added that diners can get a full steak dinner — including sides and drinks — at chains like Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, or LongHorn for between $26 and $31 in Florida.
Some pointed out that the price might not even be the highest available. Publix’s website listed a similar GreenWise brand organic prime tenderloin for more than $70 per pound.
Even Dickson’s Farmstand Meats, a well-known butcher shop in Manhattan’s Chelsea Market, was selling prime tenderloin for less on New Year’s Day, at $45.59 per pound.
Meanwhile, ShopRite offers prime beef tenderloin for $35.99 per pound, though it is not organic. Shoppers also complained that rising prices extend beyond meat, citing mayonnaise priced near $10 and nuts costing as much as $20.
The higher prices have pushed some customers to shop elsewhere.
“Ingles or even Kroger has better selection,” one commenter wrote. “Whole Foods has a good butcher shop. Costco is the best option for unit economics for sure.”
Others said they only shop at Publix when items are on sale, calling regular prices too high.
Still, some customers defended the grocer, arguing that organic prime tenderloin commands a premium.
“It is both Prime beef and a tenderloin. That is a fair price,” one defender wrote. “If you want Choice beef and the lower price, then find it.”
Another commenter agreed, saying the price was “pretty decent” given the quality.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding its pricing.
Publix is among the 10 largest supermarket chains in the U.S. by sales volume and is the most popular grocery store in Florida and Alabama, according to a NASDAQ survey. The company operates nearly 900 stores in Florida and reported $59.7 billion in retail sales nationwide in 2024.
Founded in 1930, Publix employs approximately 260,000 people across the United States.