Little known sub sandwich upgrade at Publix deli counter is worth asking for

When it comes to sandwiches, there's no denying the Publix sub is a Florida gem.

Known to many as simply the "Pub-sub," the sandwich's most defining characteristic is perhaps the use of fresh-baked submarine rolls. Stacked with a variety of meats, cheeses, condiments, and toppings, they're prepared fresh, served in generous portions and satisfying flavor combinations.

But even longtime fans of the Pub-sub might not know Publix offers a game-changing bread upgrade over its standard roll.

In May 2023, Publix Bakery officially launched its Tutto Pugliese bread, right around the time Palm Beach Post writer Nick Pugliese first noticed the football-shaped loaves sold in paper bags on local store shelves.

Although the bread has been around for just over a year, most shoppers have no idea they can use the Tutto bread in place of the traditional white, whole wheat, or Italian 5-grain sub rolls and flatbreads.

"While all Publix Bakery bread is baked fresh and crafted with love, the Tutto bread really takes it up a notch," says South Florida media relations manager Lindsey Willis, who confirms the Italian-inspired bread has become a permanent customization option available at all 1,350-plus Publix stores. Another bonus: there's no upcharge on the switch. (A half sized Italian sub was $6.99 made either way at the Publix on Gateway Boulevard.)

Months of training goes into baking this Publix bread - which can be requested on for your sub

Publix bakers train for months to produce the Italian-style bread, which is made exclusively from durum wheat semolina flour and certified sourdough flour grown and milled in Italy, then processed in Belgium.

The grocer offers three flavors — plain, a cheese medley, and onion asiago — in addition to one limited-edition flavor rotated every three months. Available through the end of June, this month's limited edition Tutto flavor is chipotle smoked gouda.

To try it, customers simply ask a Publix deli associate to make their sandwich using a loaf from the bakery section at their local store (the bread must be in stock at the store when ordering). The option is not available on the app or online.

How does Publix's traditional sub stack up against one made with Tutto bread?

Wondering what a Tutto Pub-sub actually looks (and tastes) like? To find out, we recently compared Publix's Italian sub made using sliced Tutto bread and the store's standard white sub roll to experience the difference.

While there's no denying the satisfying crunch factor and stuffable, hand-held portability of Publix's traditional sub roll, there is something to be said of the Tutto bread.

An associate selects a loaf from the bakery shelf to cut into thick slabs. The fresh-sliced bread has a moist, spongy interior and crispy crust with a nutty, sweet flavor that pairs well with just about any sub selection.

The Tutto's chewy, dense texture also holds its own against the Italian's medley of meat, cheese, condiments, and toppings. Two thick slices of Tutto bread was enough to support the weight of the Italian's sliced meats and add-ons, making it ideal for the half-sandwich portion.

If your usual order is a full sub, the deli staff might opt to slice the entire loaf in half, removing the ends. They'll pile your choice of sub filling onto the remaining bread, which is portioned into four "slim" sub sections. Sliced, the Tutto might not be the best choice for chicken tenders or melts, but this full sandwich "hack" can make it possible.

While the traditional Pub-sub roll reigns supreme, a Tutto upgrade makes a flavorful alternative, especially when it comes to any classic meat-and-cheese combinations.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Publix sub upgrade brings Italian Tutto Pugliese bread, flavor to menu