Traditional spiced hot cross buns now share shelf space with a host of novelty flavours, from rhubarb and custard to red velvet and tiramisu. Supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer and Tesco have expanded their ranges, with Tesco offering more than ten varieties this year. Food reviewer Becca Stock (@beccaeatseverything) suggests viewing novelty buns as a separate product: 'For me, they sit in different categories.'
In a test of 25 non-traditional buns (toasted and buttered), the Waitrose milk chocolate & fudge bun scored highest among chocolate variants with 7/10, praised for its 'delicate, milky sweetness' and proper chocolate flavour. Conversely, the Iceland Luxury extremely chocolatey bun was deemed 'disgusting' and scored 2/10 due to dryness and synthetic cocoa. Lidl Deluxe triple chocolate buns earned 5/10 for decent value despite being too sweet.
The M&S red velvet filled hot cross buns, priced at £3.50 for four, were noted as seemingly 'made with social media in mind,' with Stock observing that 'every year they come out with bigger and wackier flavours.' The test included a traditional M&S luxury fruited bun as a control. Ultimately, purists may stick to tradition, but novelty buns offer variety for those seeking something different this Easter.
