As Easter approaches, supermarkets across the UK are stocking up on hot cross buns, offering a wider variety than the classic spiced, raisin-filled buns we all know. From lemon and white chocolate to carrot cake and cherry Bakewell, there are options to suit every palate. But with so many choices, which ones are truly worth buying?
I set out to taste-test 25 hot cross buns from seven major supermarkets, including Asda, Tesco, M&S, Aldi, and Morrisons, and here’s my honest verdict.
Cherry Bakewell (£1.77)
Not a fan of cherries, I was skeptical. The intense cherry aroma hit me as soon as I opened the packet, and the flavor was overpowering with a lingering aftertaste. The bun itself was light and fluffy, so cherry lovers may enjoy it, but I’d give it a miss.
Score: 1/10
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Lemon and White Chocolate (£1.77)
A delightful balance of zesty lemon and sweet white chocolate. The bun was light, full of flavor, and the white chocolate melted perfectly—a springtime indulgence.
Score: 10/10
Rhubarb and Custard (£1.19, Aldi)
Disappointingly bland, I found only one small piece of rhubarb inside. It tasted more like sweet bread than a fruity bun and lacked the custard flavor I anticipated.
Score: 1/10
Luxury Fruit (£1.19, Aldi)
A classic done well. Packed with currants and flavor, this bun was light and airy, although I’d have preferred a hint more cinnamon spice for extra warmth.
Score: 8/10
Mighty Cheesy (£0.85)
A surprising savory twist that tasted like cheese on toast. The strong cheese flavor and aroma make this an excellent choice for those wanting a cheesy snack.
Score: 9/10
Salted Caramel and Chocolate (£2.00)
Sweet and indulgent, this bun delivered the expected rich caramel flavor alongside chocolate—a perfect treat for caramel lovers.
Score: 8/10
Marble Neapolitan (£2.00)
Overly sweet with a somewhat artificial taste. The flavor combinations felt mismatched, making this bun less enjoyable.
Score: 2/10
Chocolate Orange (Gluten-Free, £3.00)
Dry and lacking flavor for my taste, but a good gluten-free option for those who need it and love chocolate orange.
Score: 1/10
Extra Fruity (£2.00)
Bursting with fruit and spices, this light and airy bun is a wonderful traditional Easter choice.
Score: 8/10
Extremely Chocolatey (£2.50, M&S)
Rich and indulgent, this bun tastes like a chocolate brownie and is delicious toasted or fresh. It’s sweet, but not overly so, and requires no butter.
Score: 9/10
Granny Smith Apple (£2.50)
A promising concept that felt a bit subtle in flavor. The bun was sweeter than average, but the apple taste could be stronger to leave a bigger impression.
Score: 6/10
Extremely Lemon (£3.00)
While containing lemon curd, the overall lemon flavor lacked intensity and could be boosted for a more refreshing taste.
Score: 6/10
Luxury Fruited (£2.50)
Soft, fluffy, and filled with fruit, this bun is a reliable traditional option, though a bit more spice would elevate it further.
Score: 7/10
Berry Blush (£2.50)
A sweet, fruity delight with a pleasant strawberry flavor. Larger than many other buns, it was soft and enjoyable.
Score: 9/10
Apple and Cinnamon (£2.00)
Strong on apple flavor but could use more cinnamon. A solid choice for those who appreciate the classic fruit and spice combo.
Score: 7/10
St Clements (£2.00)
Zesty, flavorful, and fruit-filled, this bun offers a tangier alternative to the classic spiced version.
Score: 8/10
Belgian Chocolate (£2.50)
Rich chocolate chunks melt beautifully when toasted, tasting just like a brownie. Best enjoyed as an afternoon treat due to its sweetness and heaviness.
Score: 9/10
Leckford Fruit and Seed (£2.50)
Similar to a traditional hot cross bun but with the added texture of seeds. Soft and fruity, though the cinnamon could be more pronounced.
Score: 8/10
Milk Chocolate and Fudge (£2.00)
Perfect for chocolate lovers, this bun toasted well with melting chocolate pieces and a rich flavor without being overly sweet.
Score: 9/10
Lemon and White Chocolate (£2.00)
Light and fragrant, this bun is a little milder than Asda’s but still enjoyable as a sweet Easter treat.
Score: 8/10
Rhubarb and Ginger (£2.00)
Very sweet but lacking noticeable ginger flavor. Overall, it felt like it needed more punch.
Score: 3/10
Carrot Cake (£2.00)
Surprisingly authentic carrot cake flavor with warming spices and a pleasant aftertaste. Highly recommended for carrot cake fans.
Score: 8/10
Double Chocolate and Cherry (£2.00)
Not for me, as the unexpected liquorice-like cherry flavor was off-putting after one bite.
Score: 1/10
Apple and Cinnamon (£1.80)
A traditional hot cross bun with juicy apple chunks, though the cinnamon was a bit understated for my preference.
Score: 8/10
Lemon Drizzle (£1.80, Morrisons)
Rustic and thick with a sweet, tangy lemon aroma. Sometimes the flavor felt slightly artificial but overall pleasant.
Score: 6/10
Winner: Lemon and White Chocolate from Asda (£1.77)
Offering bright, balanced flavors in a light bun, this affordable option stole the show and is my top pick for Easter 2026.