Australia's best hot cross buns revealed - and the winner might surprise you

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth this Easter, the blind taste test results are in and consumer advocacy group CHOICE has ranked this year's tastiest hot cross buns.

CHOICE's hot cross bun connoisseurs (how do we get that gig?) put their taste buds to the test, sampling more than 20 varieties of hot cross buns to evaluate flavour, appearance, aroma and texture.

In an effort to find the ultimate bun for all tastes, CHOICE conducted a comprehensive test from every category available at national supermarkets, Bakers Delight and Costco. Whether you're a traditional fruit fanatic or a chocolate lover, CHOICE has you covered with their diverse bun selection.

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This year's winner for the best-tasting hot cross bun goes to none other than supermarket giant Woolworths, taking home the top honour for their deliciously soft and toastable bun. Here's who else made the klist.

Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Out of the 21 hot cross buns tested, only those scoring 70% or higher were recommended by the team of experts.

While you can read a full review of all the products tested, we've narrowed down the top three "traditional fruit" buns from the dozen that were tested.

1. Woolworths Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Bun

Woolworths Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns took the crown in the CHOICE taste test, receiving a score of 75%. The buns received high praise from the experts for their softness and toastability, earning extra points for being vegan-friendly and preservative-free.

CHOICE Expert Rating: 75%

Price: 67c per bun

2. Coles Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Coming in a close second, Coles Traditional Hot Cross Buns were described by the experts as moist and soft, but better toasted.

CHOICE Expert Rating: 72%

Price: 67c per bun

3. Woolworths Luxurious Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns

While they may have slipped slightly from last year's top spot, the Woolworths premium hot cross buns still impressed experts with their fruity flavour and delightful hint of cinnamon in every bite.

CHOICE Expert Rating: 61%

Price: $1.25 per bun

The following traditional hot cross buns rounded out CHOICE's top half in the traditional bun category.

• Woolworths Bakery Traditional Hot Cross Buns

• Aldi Bakers Life Fruit Hot Cross Buns

• Community Co Traditional Easter Buns

Best chocolate hot cross buns

None of the nine chocolate buns that were tested by CHOICE experts made it onto the recommended list this year. However, if you're still craving a chocolate hit, Aldi's Bakers Life Chocolate Hot Cross Buns scored the highest.

1. Aldi Baker's Life Chocolate Hot Cross Bun

Not only are Aldi's chocolate hot cross buns suitable for vegetarians and free of preservatives, artificial colours, and flavours, but they also provide a good source of protein and fibre. However, while these buns have a pleasing shape and size, they lack a substantial amount of chocolate.

CHOICE Expert Rating: 57%

Price: 58c per bun

2. Community Co Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Another bun that tasted better when toasted, experts praised Community Co's use of Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa, as well as the clear cross on top of the hot cross bun.

CHOICE Expert Rating: 56%

Price: 67c per bun

3. Coles Chocolate Hot Cross Bun

While the Coles Chocolate Hot Cross Buns came in with the highest chocolate percentage at 25% (equal with Bakers Delight Handmade Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns), they lost points for their salty aftertaste.

CHOICE Expert Rating: 53%

Price: 67c per bun

The following chocolate hot cross buns rounded out CHOICE's top five:

• Woolworths Cadbury Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

• IGA Romeo's Hot Cross Buns Choc

Gluten Free buns were also ranked, and with a CHOICE score of 35%, Coles I'm Free From Gluten Wheat & Dairy Chocolate Hot Cross Buns won the category.

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