As spring arrives, the seasonal delight of hot cross buns takes centre stage in British homes. These soft, spiced buns, packed with currants and sultanas, have a history stretching back centuries, possibly to medieval England. Today, supermarket aisles and bakery counters offer an array of modern twists, from savoury cheese versions to indulgent filled options, alongside traditional classics. To help you navigate this delicious landscape, we conducted an extensive taste test of almost twenty hot cross buns, scrutinising flavour, texture, and price to find the best picks for Easter 2026.
Our Top Picks for the Best Hot Cross Buns
After weeks of toasting and tasting in a London flat filled with the aroma of fresh buns, we evaluated each option based on dough quality, balanced flavours, and value for money. We sought buns that toasted well externally while remaining fluffy and moist inside, also considering how fillings and shelf life performed. Here are our standout selections across various categories.
Best Overall Hot Cross Buns: Gail's Six Hot Cross Buns
Priced at £14 for six from Gails.com, these artisanal buns are a premium splurge at £2.33 per bun. Heavier and darker than supermarket versions, they feature a crispy shell glazed with a clove, star anise, and nutmeg syrup, topped with an artisanal cross. The dough is richly spiced and studded with candied orange peel, cranberries, and juicy sultanas, offering a complex citrus hit. Despite the higher cost, they deliver unparalleled convenience with delivery or click-and-collect options, making them a ray of sunshine in every bite.
Best Classic Hot Cross Buns: M&S Luxury Hot Cross Buns
Available at £3 for four from Ocado.com, these buns cost 63p each and prove that classics can excel. They boast a tasty, aromatic dough that pulls apart in steamy layers, releasing warm spices. Generously filled with plump sultanas and Vostizza currants soaked in luxury gold tea, they offer a supple texture brightened by orange and lemon peel, creating a harmonious and elevated traditional bun.
Best Budget Hot Cross Buns: Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Fruited Hot Cross Buns
At just £1.19 for four from Aldi.co.uk, these buns are a steal at 30p each. Thick and puffed with a nostalgic sticky top, they are visibly packed with sultanas and currants, adding sweetness, while mixed peel enriches the flavour. Despite the "luxury" label, they provide excellent value for stocking up this Easter.
Best Chocolate Hot Cross Buns: Waitrose No. 1 Belgian Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Priced at £3 for two from Waitrose.com, these buns cost £1.25 each and offer a decadent treat. Featuring large chunks of dark Belgian chocolate that become oozy when toasted, the sourdough-based dough adds extra flavour. Rich and chocolate-forward without being overly sweet, they make for a luxurious Easter morning, outperforming similar options like M&S's chocolate buns.
Best Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns: Waitrose Free From Hot Cross Buns
Available at £2 for four from Waitrose.com, these gluten-free buns cost 60p each and are impressively close to traditional versions. Plump and well-presented, they have a nice-tasting dough with balanced sweetness. Orange-soaked sultanas, raisins, and currants add a subtle bright flavour, though the texture is slightly denser than gluten-containing buns.
Other Notable Picks
- Best Wholesome Hot Cross Buns: Waitrose Leckford Fruit and Seed Hot Cross Buns (£3 for four, 62.5p each) – bursting with fruit and seeds for a nourishing crunch.
- Best Organic Hot Cross Buns: The Authentic Bread Company Organic Hot Cross Buns (£4 for six, 65.8p each) – snack-sized with juicy sultanas and light dough.
- Best Carrot Cake Hot Cross Buns: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Carrot Cake Hot Cross Buns (£2 for four, 50p each) – moist with warming spices and white chocolate chips.
- Best Filled Hot Cross Buns: M&S Extremely Lemony Curd Filled Hot Cross Buns (£3 for four, 75p each) – fluffy with a zingy lemon curd centre.
- Best Cherry Hot Cross Buns: Asda Exceptional Cherry Bakewell Hot Cross Buns (£2 for four, 44p each) – subtle almond flavour with cherry pieces.
- Best Savoury Hot Cross Buns: Tesco Finest Cheddar and Red Leicester Hot Cross Buns (£2 for four, 50p each) – pillowy dough with a deep cheesy flavour.
- Best Salted Caramel Hot Cross Buns: Co-op Irresistible Chocolate and Salted Caramel Hot Cross Buns (£2 for four, 50p each) – oozy fudge pieces balanced by dark chocolate.
- Best Farm Shop Hot Cross Bun: The Newt Hot Cross Buns (£6 for four, £1.50 each) – made in small batches with cyder-soaked fruit, though lightly spiced.
Final Verdict and Testing Methodology
If you seek the ultimate hot cross bun, Gail's artisanal option is unbeatable despite its price. For supermarket shelves, M&S's luxury classic or Aldi's budget pick are top choices. For variety, M&S's lemon curd-filled buns offer decadence, while Waitrose's fruit and seed version provides a lighter alternative. Our testing focused on taste, texture, and value for money, ensuring only the best recommendations. As a trusted source, we evaluate products in real-life settings to guarantee quality and worth.
