Easter is just around the corner and there’s nothing more traditional than indulging in some delicious hot cross buns for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
WATCH: How to make a delicious hot cross bun cheesecake at home
However, finding the ‘perfect’ hot cross bun can be a bit of a mind-boggler.
To keep your shopping time down to a minimum this Easter, consumer watchdog Choice has had their food experts sample 21 types of hot cross buns from across Australia, and they’ve identified where to buy the top five most delicious buns in Australia.
After blind taste-testing traditional, chocolate chip and gluten-free varieties from supermarkets, bakeries and Costco, the Choice foodies judged each on taste, texture, appearance and aroma.
Cole’s came out on top with both their traditional fruit and chocolate hot cross buns getting the best scores from the judges.
“Coles was clearly the winner in our testing this year, with their hot cross buns coming first in both the chocolate and traditional fruit categories,” says CHOICE food editor, Rachel Clemons.
See the top 4 traditional hot cross buns below.
1. Coles Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns
This fruit bun received a 80% score, and was praised for it for its shiny colour and bouncy texture.
2. Aldi Speciality Selected Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns
Aldi took out second place receiving a score of 79% for their tasty hot cross buns. Once you’ve devoured a packet, wash it down with Aldi’s limited-edition hot cross bun gin.
3. Bakers Delight Traditional Fruit
Though it took out top spot last year, Baker’s Delight’s hot cross buns dropped to third place with a score of 71%. They’re nice and soft, and the spices in the dough give them a great flavour.
4. Sonoma Fruit & Spice
NSW-based bakery Sonoma impressed this year with its signature bun. With nine locations in NSW and one in ACT you might have to go a little further for this one, but it’ll be worth it.
The best chocolate chip hot cross buns
1. Coles Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
These buns came in at first place, with an overall score of 84%. You get a good chocolate hit from this bun, with lots of chocolate chips evident.
2. Baker’s Delight Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns
Overall these buns scored a 75% and have lots of chocolate pieces and a good moist, soft texture.
3. Woolworths Cadbury Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
“These buns scored 74% in our testing. If you’re a Cadbury fan, these hot cross buns might be a good pick for you – the choc chips in these hot cross buns are made by Cadbury.”
4. Aldi Bakers Life Chocolate Chip
Placing fourth is Aldi’s affordable, chocolatey buns with a score of 67%.
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