As Easter approaches, hot cross buns—those spiced, sweet treats traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday—are making an appearance in shops earlier than ever. This year, however, a wave of creative variations has flooded the market, challenging the classic recipe with flavours ranging from chocolate to rhubarb and custard. Lucy Knight delves into this culinary experimentation, testing 25 non-traditional hot cross buns to see if they can hold a candle to the beloved original.
A Shifting Tradition
While the classic hot cross bun holds a special place in many hearts, retailers are eager to innovate. Supermarkets from Marks & Spencer to Tesco have embraced a plethora of flavours, appealing to a wider range of tastes. In a world where spiced buns now share shelf space with red velvet and tiramisu versions, the question arises: can these novelty offerings ever rival the traditional treat?
Becca Stock, a food reviewer known for her vibrant TikTok and Instagram presence, believes that these alternative buns deserve their own category. “You have to view them as separate products,” she asserts. For many, the newer flavours are less about tradition and more about creativity and fun—an exciting twist on a classic rather than a direct replacement.
The Chocolate Craze
Chocolate hot cross buns are becoming increasingly popular, with various supermarkets jumping on the bandwagon. Each retailer seems to offer their own take, often substituting dried fruit for chocolate chips. Charles Banks, managing director of the food trends agency thefoodpeople, notes that while many consumers enjoy these chocolatey variations, they can stray too far from what makes a hot cross bun unique.
The Waitrose No 1 Belgian chocolate hot cross buns, priced at £2 for two, are a prime example. Although they deliver a robust chocolate flavour, the absence of traditional spices left some wanting more. Similarly, Tesco’s Finest triple chocolate buns, available for £2, suffered from an overabundance of sweetness, making them feel more like dessert than a classic bun.
However, not all chocolate buns missed the mark. Waitrose’s milk chocolate & fudge version scored well with testers, balancing sweetness with a rich chocolate taste. Meanwhile, Iceland’s Luxury extremely chocolatey buns fell flat, described as dry and lacking flavour, earning a disappointing score of just 2 out of 10.
Fruity Variations Take Centre Stage
The fruity hot cross buns are perhaps the most nostalgic, yet their novelty counterparts often push the boundaries. The M&S red velvet filled buns, for instance, are visually striking but received mixed reviews for their subtle flavour and minimal cream cheese filling. On the other hand, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference double chocolate & cherry buns introduced a fruit element, but the overwhelming sweetness from the cherries and cranberries overshadowed the bun’s potential.
A standout in this category was the Asda Exceptional cherry bakewell hot cross buns, mirroring the flavour of the classic tart while maintaining the essence of a hot cross bun. Knight rated them a solid 5 out of 10, a respectable score amidst a sea of mixed results.
A Savoury Twist
In a bold move, some brands have ventured into savoury territory, crafting hot cross buns that incorporate cheeses. M&S’s extremely cheesy cheddar and red Leicester buns offered a pleasant break from the sweetness, although they leaned more towards cheese scone territory than a traditional bun. Meanwhile, Aldi’s Mighty cheesy version fell short, suffering from a lack of flavour that disappointed testers.
These innovative buns reflect changing preferences in the British palate, as more consumers seek out bold and diverse flavours. But while the idea of a savoury hot cross bun may intrigue some, it remains to be seen whether they will achieve the same level of adoration as their sweeter counterparts.
Why it Matters
This exploration into the realm of novelty hot cross buns highlights a broader trend within the culinary landscape—one where tradition meets innovation. As retailers experiment with flavours, they not only cater to evolving tastes but also invite discussions about the essence of beloved foods. While the classic hot cross bun will likely remain a staple of Easter celebrations, the rise of these adventurous flavours is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of food culture in the UK. Whether they succeed or fail, these novelty buns remind us that food is not just about taste; it’s about creativity, community, and celebration.
