Woolworths, Coles or Aldi: Experts reveal who has the best hot cross buns

A taste test by Australian consumer advocacy group CHOICE has revealed which supermarket is serving up 2022’s best hot cross buns.

CHOICE taste-tested 23 different hot cross buns across traditional fruit, apple and cinnamon, and chocolate categories from leading Australian supermarkets.

Hot cross buns from Coles, Woolworths, IGA, Aldi, Bakers Delight and Costco were put to the test by expert judges Adam Moore, Janet Aislabie and Andre Sandison.

“Our experts blind taste test all the hot cross bun samples in the CHOICE kitchen. Each of the buns is given a CHOICE Expert Rating, which is calculated by assessing flavour, appearance, aroma, and texture,” explained CHOICE Editor, Marg Rafferty.

Woolworths takes crown for traditional fruit hot cross buns

From the blind taste test, Woolworths’ Luxurious Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns took out first place in the traditional fruit category, scoring 84 per cent from the judges.

“These Woolworths buns have a soft texture and a good flavour. They’re filled with lots of plump fruit, and have the highest fruit content out of all the hot cross buns we tested,” said Ms Rafferty.

"Very nice shine and white cross. Spring back is good. Soft, lush texture. Fruit and spice aromatics evident. Good flavour. Lots of plump fruit. Overall the fruit mix and texture is awesome," reads the review on the CHOICE website.

Costing $1.13 per bun, or $4.50 per four-pack, the experts said the Woolworths’ traditional hot cross buns feature a “very nice shine and white cross” and labelled the fruit mix and texture “awesome.”

Aldi’s Bakers Life Indulgent Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns came in second place, with a score of 73 per cent, followed by Woolworths’ Indulgent Brioche Fruit Hot Cross Buns at 72 per cent.

• Coles' spicy new hot cross buns leaves shoppers divided: 'Not for me!

• 'Woolies serves up high protein pizza and shoppers are super keen: 'Epic!'

• Coles shopper's angry note about hot cross buns called out: 'Who cares?'

Aldi wins best chocolate hot cross buns

When it came to the best chocolate hot cross buns in 2022, Aldi’s Bakers Life Chocolate Hot Cross Buns took home the crown with an expert rating of 72 per cent.

“The chocolate Aldi buns were the cheapest buns in our test, along with the traditional Aldi fruit hot cross buns. Our experts noted that they have a chocolate-y dough and a slight chocolate bourbon flavour,” said Ms Rafferty.

Coles followed closely in second place, with their own-brand Chocolate Hot Cross Buns scoring 71 per cent from the judges, who claimed they were “chocolate-dense” with a “good flavour.”

Woolworths dominate apple and cinnamon hot cross bun category

While all the biggest bakery and supermarket chains offer apple and cinnamon hot cross buns, only one made into CHOICE’s recommended list, with a score of 72 per cent.

The supermarket who dominated the apple and cinnamon category was Woolies, with their Woolworths Indulgent Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns.

Woolworths’ apple and cinnamon hot cross buns contained the most apple pieces out of all the buns in the test, with fresh pink lady apple pieces filling 18 per cent of the buns.

“Our experts praised the Woolworths apple and cinnamon buns for their nice colour and good shape. They’re soft and have a buttery flavour,” said Ms Rafferty.

Aldi’s Bakers Life Indulgent Apple and Cinnamon came in second place with a score of 69 per cent, followed by Bakers’ Delight and Coles.

Meanwhile, Coles' I'm Free From Gluten Wheat and Dairy Chocolate Hot Cross Buns scored the best gluten-free bun with a judges rating 51 per cent.

Of course when it comes to hot cross buns, there's a whole spectrum of weird and wonderful flavours to discover. Watch the video below to see Yahoo Lifestyle's very own taste testers uncover the best and worst of the bunch.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com