It’s that time of year again—hot cross bun season is in full swing. I’ve been sneaking them into the house for the past month, and the children, self-proclaimed experts, have been happily eating them for the last month at least . So, after extensive (and delicious) research, here are the best and worst of the bunch.
Packed with raisins—delicious in my book, but Johnnie thinks they go a bit overboard. They are on the smaller side, which I like, but Johnnie felt the need to eat two!
Waitrose, 4 St Clements Hot Cross Buns – 2 packs for £2.50 or £1.85 each
Super soft and fluffy (I refuse to say moist). These were my absolute favourites. They’re tasty enough to eat straight from the pack, no butter needed, but beware—they disappear fast. The mandarin flavour is just right, and the raisin ratio is spot on.
A bit dry, but they make up for it when toasted and slathered in butter. Not my number one, but Johnnie loves them. They have a nice golden top and taste less sugary than others—not because I checked the pack, just a gut feeling!
Very fruity and quite doughy, which I love. These work well both toasted with butter and straight from the bag. They’ve got a strong cinnamon and spice flavour—right up my street, but Johnnie was less convinced (though that didn’t stop him from eating them!).
A little pricier but generous in size—soft, squishy, and packed with fruit and peel. They taste slightly wholemeal, so I can pretend they’re healthier. Johnnie likes them, but let’s be honest—he likes them all!
And for something a little less traditional...
But this year, some of the biggest names in supermarkets and fast food chains have decided to shake things up, offering a wild variety of flavors that are anything but traditional.
Whether you’re a purist who craves the classic fruit-filled bun or a foodie looking to experiment with something new, 2025’s hot cross bun offerings are sure to spark some debate—and perhaps even a few raised eyebrows.
Here are three wild hot cross bun flavours of 2025:
Asda’s Tiramisu Hot Cross Buns – A hot cross bun with Italian dessert vibes, but online reviews claim they’re more cardboard than tiramisu.
Sainsbury’s Custard Creams with a Hot Cross Bun Filling – This one made me double-take. Why? Just why? If you want a custard cream, have a custard cream. If you want a hot cross bun, have a hot cross bun. Simple.
Tesco Finest Rhubarb & Custard Hot Cross Buns – These sound like a boiled sweet in bun form. Reviews online confirm they deliver neither rhubarb nor custard particularl
And let's not forget..
Bradwall Bakehouse’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf is a delicious twist on the traditional hot cross bun. Combining the soft, spiced sweetness of a classic bun with the comforting, sliceable texture of a loaf, it’s perfect for those who want the flavour of hot cross buns in a more versatile form. With hints of currants, citrus, and a light, spiced dough, this loaf brings all the flavour without the need to tear apart individual buns. We love it toasted with butter if it makes it home!
The Final Verdict
If you want a proper hot cross bun, stick to the classics—Waitrose’s St Clements, M&S’s traditional buns, or Aldi’s budget-friendly option. If you’re feeling adventurous, be warned: most of these novelty flavours sound more exciting than they taste. And if you spot me hovering in the bakery aisle, inspecting the latest monstrosities, no, you didn’t see a thing…
