REVEALED: Best hot cross buns of 2022
Each year the same question raises its head: Which are the best hot cross buns on the market – and (two-part question, bear with us) who exactly is doing the judging? It's always a relief when Choice Magazine, the leading consumer advocacy group in Australia, joins the fray to pick the best bun on the market.
The winner this year, according to the panel of expert judges, is Woolworths for the classic hot cross bun category. The supermarket giant also managed to score two buns in the top three.
This year, 23 hot cross buns were tested, including traditional fruit buns, apple and cinnamon and chocolate. The taste testing also covered gluten-free options and was across the major supermarkets from Coles, Woolworths and IGA to Aldi, as well as major bakery chain Bakers Delight and bargain membership warehouse Costco.
Of course, there are flavours ranging from spicy Jalapeno to Caramilk buns available, but the biggest question is always around the traditional-style bun. It's hard to compare all the unusual flavours, so it makes far more sense to focus on who is doing the best fruit buns each year. The rest is up to personal tastes.
Choice only recommends products with a rating of over 70% from their judges. This year, three traditional buns came in over that rating, making them the recommendations and winners.
Scores were made up of points for appearance, aroma, texture and flavour. So, who were the winners?
3. Woolworths Indulgent Brioche Fruit Hot Cross buns
In third place with a rating of 72 per cent was the Woolworths brioche version of the hot cross bun. It's an enriched bun with milk and eggs for an almost cake-like experience, and because of this it has a yellower colour, which is typical of enriched breads.
According to the judges it was mellow on the aromas and spices, but had a light glaze, was lovely and soft and moist, and scored well for visual appeal. A pack of six is $4.50, making them 75c per bun.
2. Aldi Bakers Life Indulgent Traditional Fruit
Coming in just above this score was the Aldi Bakers Life Indulgent Traditional Fruit hot cross bun, with a 73 per cent rating. This bun is popular every year, with Aldi always scoring well for Easter taste tests.
According to the judges these buns were on the large side, and while they were dense they had good bounce-back. Presentation was neat and appealing, there was a strong cinnamon aroma, the colour was good and the buns were commended for the amount of fruit and spice throughout.
Priced at $2.99 for a four pack, that makes the buns 75c each.
1. Woolworths Luxurious Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns
The winning bun for 2022 was Woolworths Luxurious Richly Fruited hot cross bun — but with a significant price difference per bun, this can't really be surprising.
The rating of this bun was 84 per cent, so the votes went up along with the price. The buns had the highest fruit content and they also scored highly for texture and appearance. The fruit mix includes cranberries and candied peel, and the spices were noted as being good too.
With two out of the top three buns being Woolworth's products, it's safe to say that this year, Woolies' Easter buns are on the money.
At $4.50 for a four pack, they come in at $1.13 per bun, but it sounds like they're worth it.
Let us know which bun you think deserves the top spot!