The best and worst hot cross buns for 2021

ASDA Extra Special St Clements Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

£1 for pack of four 

These were a delight, a true tasty treat to have in the morning or as a snack for supper. They were light and refreshing, with each bite offering a burst of citrus flavour. The bread wasn’t dry and it toasted well, and with a layer of melted butter it was, frankly, flawless.

The bread to fruit ratio was spot on, while it also offered a nice chewy consistency. Glazed to sticky-sweet perfection, the plump raisins gave off a pleasant fruity aroma.

All in all, I would gladly scoff an entire packet and not feel too guilty about the calorie intake – Jessica Green

Asda Extra Special Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns 

Rating:

£1 for pack of four 

 As a hot cross bun enthusiast it’s tough to find one I’m not a fan of, but these did not let me down. The raisin to bread ratio was spot on, the middle was really soft and fluffy and the bun was easy to slice without falling apart. The buns also stayed fresh for a long time after opening which is really handy. Overall the hot cross bun was delicious and I would definitely try this variation again. – Monica Greep

Waitrose, Heston Mocha Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

 £1.70 for a pack of two

These were an absolute taste sensation. The serving suggestion, in true Heston style, suggests a very detailed recipe for whipping up spiced-butter that looked like it took longer to do than I usually a lot on dinner time. 

Deciding toasting cardamon pods and whisking rose water with milk in a blender was a bit too much effort for a teatime snack, I instead had mine with plain salted butter, which was delicious. 

The bun is very rich, and more of a chocolate taste than the coffee, but is a great option, especially with a hot cup of coffee or tea. – Bridie Pearson-Jones

Aldi, Specially Selected Chilli and Cheese 

Rating:

99p for pack of four

These were my favourite Hot Cross Buns of the year. While definitely not for traditionalists these were exquisitely flavoured with a richness from the cheese and a warm kick from the chilli – but not an overwhelming spice.

Clearly made with good ingredients these toasted well and were divine with a bit of butter, there was only a hint of chilli and wasn’t too spicy, but with gorgeous umani flavour, I will be stocking my cupboard with these this year. – Bridie Pearson-Jones

Marks & Spencer, Blueberry Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

 £1.65 for pack of four

After having these, I can’t go back to just regular HCBs – these blueberry ones from M&S were delicious! While they contained Vostizza currants, the little sweetened dried blueberries stood out for me – I thought they’d be sickly, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

The buns themselves were rich and pillowy – I ate mine toasted with plenty of butter (the only way to serve HCBs) though my partner enjoyed them straight out of the packet!  – Hayley Richardson

Tesco Finest Salted Caramel with Belgian Chocolate 

Rating:

 £1.50 for pack of four

This is not a bun to miss this year for anyone with a sweet tooth. I was a little apprehensive it would be too sickly, but it struck the perfect balance. 

The bread is soft and tastes fresh, while it’s back with gooey salted caramel fudge pieces, the sweetness is perfectly complemented with rich dark chocolate chips that melted perfectly in the toaster. – Bridie Pearson-Jones 

Waitrose, Toffee Hot Cross Buns 

Rating:

£1.50 for pack of four 

This was quite a dense bun (which I love) and smelt amazing and very strongly of toffee, meaning I had high expectations for rich flavours – and this hot cross bun really didn’t disappoint. There was plenty of toffee sprinkled throughout the bun making each bite as mouth-watering as the next. The buns were a good size and toasted beautifully, all in all this seemed to be a masterpiece in how hot cross buns should taste.  – Jessica Green 

M&S Marmite Cheese Hot Cross Buns

£1.65 for a pack of four

Rating:

A savoury delight! Hot cross buns aren’t usually my thing but the salty, tangy taste of the M&S Marmite Cheese Hot Cross Buns won me over. The flavourful additions of the Marmite and the Red Leicester and Cheddar cheeses means the buns are tasty enough to be enjoyed on their own without any toppings. 

Obviously it won’t be to everyone’s taste – best avoided if you’re in the ‘hate Marmite’ camp – but in my opinion these are tough to beat!’ – Steph Linning

Morrisons Very Berry Hot Cross Bun

£1.50 for pack of four 

Rating:

The Morrison’s Very Berry Hot Cross Buns were delicious! There was a very generous amount of cranberries in the bun and would make a nice selection for someone who didn’t like raisins. There flavour of cranberries took over from the blueberries a little bit, but I didn’t mind that at all. 

They toasted really well, and the scent of the cranberries warming through made the room smell amazing. The bun was really soft and slightly doughy, the perfect texture for the perfect hot cross bun – Georgia Simcox

Co-op Irresistible Luxury Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

£1.35 for pack of four 

I’ve got to confess, these hot cross buns didn’t last very long in my house! The treat had a great doughy consistency, good size and a really tasty flavour. While it wasn’t as ‘sticky’ as some buns can be, it didn’t detract away from the flavour or enjoyment of the snack at all. I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious the taste was. Proud to report the packet has been completely devoured less than 24 hours after it arrived at my home. A strong 4/5  – Harriet Johnston

 Asda  Extra Special Belgian Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

£1 for pack of four 

These hot cross bun are filled with chocolate buttons chunks. I felt they were very satisfying – the amount of chocolate was generous, and the bun was fluffy and tender, like you’d want a good brioche to be. I am not a big fan of the traditional hot cross buns, so this was a nice alternative to me, but lovers of the original might find them too plain for their taste. – Claire Toureille 

 Iceland Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

£1 for six 

I’m usually only a fan of chocolate hot cross buns because then I don’t have to think about adding anything else to boost the flavour.

However, these hot cross buns were a traditional treat that are full of flavour.

I liked the slightly sweet taste and would definitely purchase a bag ahead of Easter. – Latoya Gayle

Sainbury’s Chocolate and Caramel Hot Cross Bun 

Rating:

£1.25 for four 

These buns felt particularly indulgent thanks to the generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce and chocolate chips. They were fluffy and most and kept well as well, and would be a great alternative for people who don’t like the fruity taste of traditional hot cross buns. – Claire Toureille

Waitrose Wholemeal & Rye Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

 £1.50 for four

I love a good Rye bread, but I was a little uncertain on how this would work on  hot cross bun, fearing it could be a little dry.

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But I was pleasantly surprised. The bun was soft and spongy and tasted like a traditional Good Friday treat – with a bit more depth and complexity to flavour.

The honey in the bun added a nice sweetness to it, without it being overwhelmingly sickly, but the dried cranberries were slightly overpowering, which put me off a bit. – Bridie Pearson-Jones 

Lidl  Deluxe Luxury Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

99p for four 

If you like a lot of fruit in your bun, this is a winner! The soft buns are packed with juicy currants and have an enticing glazed appearance courtesy of a drop of honey which adds to the flavour. These are lovely if you have a sweet tooth like me, but run the risk of being a little sickly for some. – Hayley Richardson 

Lidl 4 Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

99p for four

Other than the ‘x’ on the top, I wouldn’t really call these hot cross buns due to their lack of fruit and traditional spices, but these are a delicious morning snack for chocaholics!

I couldn’t really taste all the individual chocolate types (they contain milk, dark and white choc chips) but I wasn’t too fussed. The buns had an almost cake-like texture which I rather enjoyed when toasted.  – Hayley Richardson

ASDA Tomato and Red Leicester Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

£1 for a pack of four 

I’m not usually a huge fan of hot cross buns, mainly because I don’t particularly like raisins so any opportunity for a savoury version is perfect for me.

These Tomato and Red Leicester hot cross buns were delicious, even though they tasted of neither tomato nor cheese. They had a scattering of herbs and were the classic red colour of tomato bread. I tried them toasted and untoasted, with butter and without butter and couldn’t taste the tomato or the red Leicester. I found the doughy texture and salty flavour delicious and would definitely recommend them. – Georgia Simcox

Sainsbury’s Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns

£1.25 for pack of four

Rating:

The Sainsbury’s Apple and Cinnamon hot cross buns had a really lovely texture, as they were soft and slightly doughty. There was a decent amount of stewed Bramley apples inside, giving them a lovely, soft apple flavour coupled with the classic raisins.

When they were in the toaster, they gave off a lovely cinnamon smell into the room. However, this didn’t translate in taste, and the cinnamon taste was really soft. It definitely could have had more cinnamon inside. – Georgia Simcox

 

Sainsbury’s Deliciously Free From 

Rating:

£2 for pack of four

I was not a fan of the Sainsbury’s Deliciously Free From hot cross buns, specifically the texture. The dough was very dense and chewy, and when you bit into it the air seemed to leave the bun, leaving it flat. 

There were a few raisins inside, but they seemed to mainly gather at the edge rather than be spread throughout. These hot cross buns tasted quite a lot like crumpets to me.- Georgia Simcox

 Marks & Spencer, 4 Salted Caramel & Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

£1.65 for four

These just didn’t do it for me – they were too sweet, and I couldn’t taste the ‘salted’ flavour of the caramel fudge pieces. 

The bun itself was pleasant, but the dark Belgian chocolate chips melted a bit when I toasted them, leaving a bit of a mess behind in the toaster. 

I just feel hot cross buns should always contain fruit, so I wasn’t impressed – Hayley Richardson

ASDA, Free From Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

£2 for four 

The texture of these weren’t bad, as gluten free buns often lack structure and can be very dry. These are also egg, and milk free – so great for vegans.

However, what it had in flavour in lacked in taste, as they were pretty bland and flavourless.  – Bridie Pearson-Jones

Tesco Strawberry and White Chocolate Hot Cross Bun

Rating:

£1.50 for four

This was more like a cake than a hot cross bun as it is very sweet and fruity, certainly not one for traditionalist of anyone who doesn’t like sweet things.

The white chocolate is very creamy and rich while the strawberry adds a nice tang, it felt more like something to snack on while watching Wimbledon than to eat at Easter.  

Co-op Irresistible Apple & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns 

 £1.35 for four

These were VERY sweet and sickly, with an overwhelming candied apple flavour that completely masked the cinnamon.

Ideal if you have a sweet tooth, and  plenty of with plump sultanas which fit well in the very soft texture of the bread.

Too sweet for me, but might be suited to some.  – Bridie Pearson-Jones

LIDL Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns

Rating:

For me these were a little dry; I think they could have done with a bit more apple, as the pieces I got were juicy and tart, but a bit small. 

As cinnamon is a spice generally included in hot cross buns it didn’t stand out for me flavour-wise – perhaps they could have dialled back on the others to let it sing. – Hayley Richardson 

Morrisons Extra Fruity 

Rating:

£1 for four 

The hot cross buns were really fresh when they arrived and had a great texture. However there wasn’t enough classic hot cross bun flavour in them for me. It would have been nice to taste some cinnamon or nutmeg but the taste of all the berries was too overpowering. The cranberries were really strong and a bit sour which was the main thing I could taste throughout.

I probably wouldn’t buy them again as I prefer a normal hot cross bun flavour but it was nice to try something different and have a bit of a change. – Amelia Wynne

 Waitrose Rum & Raisin

Rating:

£1.50 for four 

These were very soft and mild flavour, I could easily see myself gorging on too many of these. 

But while the bread was light and pleasant, and when toasted the buns boasted a lovely rum smell, I would’ve liked to taste the flavour a bit more. There was, however, just the right amount of raisins. – Jessica Green

Co-op Gluten Free 

Rating:

£2 for 4 

A great effort for a free-from bun, with nice flavours coming through and the classic hot cross bun citrus and cinnamon aromas and plenty of fruit, but they were a little dry and broke apart in the toaster. – Bridie Pearson-Jones 

Tesco Finest Extra Fruity 

Rating:

These has a more complex flavour than most, with more warmth coming through and lots of nutmeg, cinnamon and juicy fruit. But it was almost too much.

If you’re a huge hot cross bun fan, they may be great for you – but I found the flavour slightly overpowering, it almost tasted like mince meat bread. – Bridie Pearson-Jones