These are the best hot cross buns, according to Choice
Choice has tested 21 types of hot cross bun, so you know exactly which one to put in your shopping cart this Easter.
The independent member-funded consumer advocacy group had their experts blind taste each hot cross bun and rate them based on taste, appearance, aroma and texture.
Choice editor-in-chief Marg Rafferty said that with so many options out there, it can be hard to choose the best sandwich, but whether you’re a fruit fan or a chocolate lover when it comes to cross buns, Choice has the answers.
“Our expert panel tested more than 20 products from traditional fruit and chocolate categories purchased from national supermarkets, Bakers Delight and Costco,” said Rafferty.
Woolworths traditional hot cross buns with fruit took first place in the taste test with a score of 75%. Experts praised it for its tenderness and ability to roast well.
Despite the wide range of hot cross bun varieties available, including flavors like Cadbury Caramilk and Burger Sauce, Choice polls continue to show that the traditional fruit hot cross bun remains the preferred choice.
The expert panel recommended cross buns that scored 70% or more.
Best traditional hot cross buns
1. Woolworths traditional hot cross buns
Woolworths Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns
“These warm cross buns from Woolworths have a soft texture and toast well if you like a crispy bun. Plus, they’re vegan and contain no preservatives,” says Rafferty.
- Choice score: 75%
- Toasted score: 77%
- Fresh (unroasted) score: 74%
- Price: 67c per bun ($4.00 per 6-pack)
- Health star rating: 3.5
- Good to know: Vegan friendly with 25% fruit. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
- Experts say: Good crust, good crust, soft, toast good, good texture.
2. Coles Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns
Coles Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns
“These buns came in second place, with our experts praising them for their moist texture and softness,” says Rafferty.
- Choice score: 72%
- Toasted score: 74%
- Fresh (unroasted) score: 72%
- Price: 67c per bun ($4.00 per 6-pack)
- Health star rating: 3
- Good to know: 27% fruit and vegan-friendly.
- Experts say: Moist and tender, better toasted.
3. Woolworths Luxurious, Richly Fruity Hot Cross Buns
Woolworths Luxurious Rich Fruited Hot Cross Buns
“These sandwiches have fallen slightly in our tests after taking first place last year. However, our experts were pleased with the fruitiness of the bun and the hint of cinnamon in every bite,” says Rafferty.
- Choice score: 61%
- Toasted score: 64%
- Fresh (unroasted) score: 57%
- Price: $1.25 per sandwich ($5.00 per 4-pack)
- Health star rating: 3.5
- Good to know: No artificial colors or flavors and suitable for vegetarians.
- Experts say: Good colour, even crotch, soft texture, toasts well, artificial cinnamon, pleasant fruitiness.
Best chocolate hot cross buns
Why wait for the Easter bunny to bring eggs when you can also enjoy chocolate through a sandwich?
While none of the nine chocolate hot cross buns tasted scored high enough (at least 70% for taste) to be recommended, they recommended the following top three for the chocolate aficionados.
1. Aldi Bakers Life Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Aldi Bakers Life Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
“Our experts found that these sandwiches performed much better when they were toasted and had a good shape and size,” says Rafferty.
- Choice score: 57%
- Toasted score: 63%
- Fresh (unroasted) score: 55%
- Price: 58c per bun ($3.49 per 6-pack)
- Health star rating: 2
- Good to know: Suitable for vegetarians, no artificial colors and flavors, no preservatives, source of protein, source of fibre.
- Experts say: Little chocolate, nice appearance, much better roasted.
2. Community Co Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Community Co Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
“Our experts agreed that the Community Co chocolate buns were soft and visually good, with a clear cross,” says Rafferty.
- Choice score: 56%
- Toasted score: 56%
- Fresh (unroasted) score: 54%
- Price: 67c per bun ($4.00 per 6-pack)
- Health star rating: 3
- Good to know: No Artificial Colors or Flavors, No Added Preservatives, Rainforest Alliance Certified Cacao.
- Experts say: Bright croup, soft, better toasted.
3. Coles Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Coles Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
“These buns had the highest chocolate content at 25%, but lost points because of their salty aftertaste,” says Rafferty.
- Choice score: 53%
- Toasted score: 57%
- Fresh (unroasted) score: 52%
- Price: 67c per bun ($4 per 6-pack)
- Health star rating: 2
- Good to know: Rainforest Alliance Certified Cacao, highest chocolate percentage 25% (equivalent to Bakers Delight Handmade Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns).
- Experts say: Tastes better roasted, salty aftertaste.
Who are the experts?
Adam Moore is an experienced culinary judge with over 25 years of experience in the food industry. He has formal qualifications in various areas of food and is a certified global chef. He is currently Culinology Director at Culinary Revolutions.
Brigid Trelor is a freelance nutrition consultant with over 30 years of experience. She is the author of eight cookbooks, judges restaurants and judges cooking and recipe competitions, including the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show Competition. Brigid is an industry assessor for Le Cordon Bleu and advises many of Australia’s food companies on product and recipe development.
Anne Manning is the founder of Baking club and an expert in baking. She has worked with leading Australian magazines, newspapers and book publishers including Gourmet Traveller, Australian good taste and The Australian Women’s Weekly. Anneka specializes in teaching the ‘how’ and ‘why’, giving home cooks a full understanding and skills to bake confidently. She also runs the unique six-month Make I a Baker program.
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