Hot Cross Buns Taste Test: A Supermarket Showdown
Hot cross buns, a traditional Easter treat eaten on Good Friday to mark the end of Lent, have evolved beyond their classic spiced and raisin-filled origins. Today, supermarkets stock a dizzying array of flavours weeks before the holiday, from lemon and cherry bakewell to chocolate and even savoury cheese versions—all adorned with the signature cross on top. But are these modern twists any good? Reporter Mia O'Hare embarked on an epic challenge, sampling 25 different buns from seven major supermarkets to find out.
The Taste Test Results
Mia's journey through the world of hot cross buns revealed a mix of delights and disappointments. "Some were delicious, and I found many that I would buy again. However, others left a very unpleasant taste in my mouth," she noted in her review. Each bun was scored out of 10, with prices listed for packs of four in most cases. Here's a breakdown of her findings.
Aldi: Best Value and a Savoury Surprise
Aldi offered a range of options, with mixed results. The Rhubarb and Custard bun (£1.19) scored a low 1/10, described as bland with minimal rhubarb. In contrast, the Luxury Fruit bun (£1.19) earned an 8/10 for being packed with currants and flavour, though it could use more spice. The standout was the Mighty Cheesy bun (85p), scoring 9/10 for its incredible cheese-on-toast flavour, making it a top pick for savoury lovers.
Asda: Niche Flavours with Highs and Lows
Asda's offerings catered to specific tastes. The Cherry Bakewell bun (£1.77) received a 1/10 for its overpowering cherry flavour and strong aftertaste, best avoided by those not fond of cherries. However, the Lemon and White Chocolate bun (£1.77) achieved a perfect 10/10, praised for its tangy, sweet, and light profile with well-melted white chocolate.
M&S: Indulgent Treats with Room for Improvement
M&S presented a selection of premium buns. The Extremely Chocolatey bun (£2.50) scored 9/10, likened to a chocolate brownie and ideal as a pudding. The Granny Smith Apple and Extremely Lemon buns (both £2.50-£3) each got 6/10, needing stronger flavours. The Luxury Fruited bun (£2.50) earned a 7/10 for being fruit-packed and fluffy, though more spice was desired.
Morrisons: Homemade Feel with Mixed Success
Morrisons' buns had a rustic, homemade quality. The Apple and Cinnamon bun (£1.80) scored 8/10 for its fruity taste with apple chunks, though more cinnamon was wanted. The Lemon Drizzle bun (£1.80) got a 6/10 for its sweet, tangy flavour that sometimes felt slightly artificial.
Sainsbury's: Surprises and Disappointments
Sainsbury's range included some hits and misses. The Rhubarb and Ginger bun (£2) scored 3/10 for lacking ginger flavour. The Carrot Cake bun (£2) surprised with an 8/10, accurately mimicking carrot cake spices. The Double Chocolate and Cherry bun (£2) received a 1/10 for an unexpected liquorice-like taste that was hard to finish.
Tesco: Traditional and Gluten-Free Options
Tesco offered varied flavours. The Salted Caramel and Chocolate bun (£2) scored 8/10 for its perfect sweet treat taste. The Marble Neapolitan bun (£2) got a 2/10 for being too sweet and artificial. The Chocolate Orange gluten-free bun (£3) scored 1/10 for dryness, though it's a good substitute for those avoiding gluten. The Extra Fruity bun (£2) earned an 8/10 for being packed with fruit and spices.
Waitrose: Extensive Selection with High Scores
Waitrose boasted a massive array of buns. The Berry Blush bun (£2.50 for two) scored 9/10 for its sweet, fruity, and soft texture. The Apple and Cinnamon bun (£2) got 7/10 with a strong apple taste but needing more cinnamon. The St Clements bun (£2) earned 8/10 for its zesty, fruity twist. The Belgian Chocolate bun (£2.50 for two) scored 9/10 for its brownie-like indulgence. The Leckford Fruit and Seed bun (£2.50) got 8/10 for being soft and fruit-packed, though more cinnamon was desired. The Milk Chocolate and Fudge bun (£2) scored 9/10 for rich, non-sickly flavour. The Lemon and White Chocolate bun (£2) received 8/10 for being light and fragrant, but it couldn't rival Asda's version.
Conclusion: A Flavourful Easter Adventure
This taste test highlights the diversity of hot cross buns available in supermarkets today. From savoury cheese delights to sweet chocolate treats, there's something for every palate. However, not all innovations hit the mark, with some flavours falling flat. As Easter approaches, shoppers can use these ratings to guide their purchases, ensuring a delicious holiday season without the guesswork.
