Surprise Winner Emerges in Hot Cross Bun Taste Test
Supermarkets across the United Kingdom have been filling their shelves with hot cross buns in anticipation of Easter, offering a diverse array of flavours beyond the traditional spiced raisin variety. In recent years, consumers have witnessed an explosion of innovative options, ranging from lemon and chocolate to carrot cake and cherry Bakewell. With such a vast selection available, it can be challenging for shoppers to determine which buns are worth purchasing.
To assist in this decision-making process, a thorough taste test was conducted, evaluating 25 different hot cross buns from leading supermarkets including Asda, Aldi, Tesco, M&S, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons. The results yielded some delightful surprises and a few disappointments, providing clear guidance for Easter treat seekers.
Asda Takes the Crown with Lemon and White Chocolate
Asda's lemon and white chocolate hot cross bun emerged as the standout winner, earning a perfect score of 10/10. Priced at £1.77, this bun was praised for its tangy, sweet, and light texture, with white chocolate that melted beautifully to create a delicate springtime indulgence. The flavour was well-balanced and not overpowering, making it a favourite among testers.
In contrast, Asda's cherry Bakewell variant, also £1.77, received a low score of 1/10 due to its strong cherry aroma and aftertaste, which may only appeal to cherry enthusiasts. The bun itself was noted for being light and fluffy, but the intense flavour profile limited its broader appeal.
Aldi's Savoury and Sweet Offerings
Aldi presented a mix of results with its hot cross bun range. The mighty cheesy bun, priced at 85p, scored an impressive 9/10 for its remarkable cheese-on-toast flavour, making it an excellent choice for those preferring a savoury option. The luxury fruit bun, at £1.19, earned an 8/10 for being packed with currants and flavour, though it could benefit from additional spices like cinnamon.
However, Aldi's rhubarb and custard bun, also £1.19, disappointed with a score of 1/10. Testers found it bland, with minimal rhubarb pieces, resulting in a taste more akin to sweet bread than the promised flavour combination.
Tesco's Mixed Bag of Flavours
Tesco's offerings included highs and lows. The salted caramel and chocolate bun (£2) and the extra fruity bun (£2) both scored 8/10 for their satisfying sweet and traditional profiles, respectively. The marble Neapolitan bun (£2) fared poorly with a 2/10, criticised for being overly sweet and artificial-tasting.
The gluten-free chocolate orange bun (£3) received a 1/10 from non-gluten-free testers who found it dry and bland, though it may serve as a decent substitute for those with dietary restrictions.
M&S and Waitrose: Indulgent Treats with Room for Improvement
M&S impressed with its extremely chocolatey bun (£2.50), scoring 9/10 for its brownie-like indulgence that required no additional butter. However, the Granny Smith apple and extremely lemon buns (both £2.50-£3) scored only 6/10, as testers desired stronger fruit flavours. The luxury fruited bun (£2.50) earned a 7/10 for being fruit-packed and fluffy, though it lacked sufficient spice.
Waitrose offered several high-scoring options, including the berry blush, Belgian chocolate, and milk chocolate and fudge buns (all £2-£2.50), each scoring 9/10 for their rich, sweet profiles. The St Clements and Leckford fruit and seed buns (£2-£2.50) scored 8/10, praised for their zesty and traditional tastes with subtle twists. The apple and cinnamon bun (£2) and lemon and white chocolate bun (£2) scored 7/10 and 8/10, respectively, with suggestions for enhanced spice and flavour intensity.
Sainsbury's and Morrisons: Hits and Misses
Sainsbury's carrot cake bun (£2) surprised testers with an 8/10 for accurately mimicking carrot cake flavours, while the rhubarb and ginger bun (£2) scored only 3/10 due to insufficient ginger taste. The double chocolate and cherry bun (£2) received a 1/10 for its unexpected liquorice-like flavour, which was unappealing to non-cherry fans.
Morrisons' apple and cinnamon bun (£1.80) earned an 8/10 for its fruity, traditional character with apple chunks, though it needed more cinnamon. The lemon drizzle bun (£1.80) scored 6/10 for its sweet, tangy taste that occasionally felt artificial, despite a pleasant homemade texture.
Conclusion: A Clear Champion for Easter
After sampling 25 varieties, Asda's lemon and white chocolate hot cross bun stands out as the top choice, offering exceptional flavour and value at £1.77. Whether you prefer sweet, savoury, or traditional options, this taste test highlights the best and worst across supermarkets, ensuring you can make an informed decision for your Easter celebrations. Remember to consider personal taste preferences, as flavours like cherry or gluten-free may cater to specific dietary needs or palates.
