As the Easter season approaches, fierce competition is heating up among Australian supermarkets.

This competition is more than just about chocolate eggs.

The battleground? The fragrant baked goods aisle, where the humble hot cross bun has become the centrepiece of an annual culinary clash.

Supermarket giants Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, and IGA are pulling out all the stops to win consumers over with the 'great hot cross bun war' of 2025.

The war over these spiced buns began five years ago when Woolworths decided to shake things up by introducing limited-edition twists on the traditional recipe.

Since then, other supermarkets have strived to 'push the boundaries' and surprise customers with unique and indulgent offerings.

The humble hot cross bun has seen several changes and innovations over the years. Image Credit: Pexels/Taryn Elliott

Woolworths recently expanded its range by introducing the popular Biscoff-filled and Caramilk varieties of hot cross buns.

The supermarket giant also collaborated with famous bakery franchise Cinnabon for hot cross buns with an 'ooey gooey cream cheese-style filling'.

Not to be outdone, Coles entered the fray with its array of creative hot cross bun flavours.

Thanks to a successful partnership with Arnott's, Coles launched biscuit-inspired editions of hot cross buns, such as the Iced Vovo and Pizza Shapes.

Coles' latest creation was a Wagon Wheels 'inspired' bun, complete with chocolate dough, marshmallow flavouring, raspberry jellies, and chocolate chips.

Even IGA and ALDI joined in the bake-off, as they started selling Reese's hot cross buns and banoffee-flavoured buns, respectively.

'Hot cross bun innovation has become a national obsession,' Thea Comino, Coles Bakery's Product Developer, shared in an interview.

While traditional flavours like apple & cinnamon or strawberries & clotted cream are the most exotic finds in the United Kingdom, Aussie supermarkets constantly find ways to develop new flavours that resonate with local tastes and preferences.

However, some hot cross bun purists argued that supermarkets have strayed too far from tradition.

The only thing recognisable about these buns are the crosses on top, as seen on the original hot cross buns.

'What's wrong with a regular hot cross bun toasted with butter? You can't beat it,' a social media user lamented.

Despite the naysayers, many Australians shared their excitement about the 'hot cross bun war'.

Melbourne-based content creator Ange Eats shared her excitement for the innovation in the bakery sector and the healthy competition it could bring.

Food content creator Nectro Vlangos also voiced his love for the untraditional trend and has started anticipating next year's flavours.

With over a month away from the festive season, it's too early to declare a hot cross bun war winner for 2025.

As you prepare for Easter celebrations, join in on the fun and taste-test these innovative creations.

Make your own hot cross buns at home with this recipe from Chef Jack Ovens:

Source: Chef Jack Ovens/YouTube​

Key Takeaways

• Australian supermarkets have been competing in an annual event called the 'great hot cross bun war' as they started offering innovative flavours for the Easter treat.
• Supermarket giants Coles, Woolworths, ALDI and IGA introduced unconventional hot cross bun varieties.
• Australian consumers have had a fascination with these unique hot cross bun flavours.
• While some still favour the traditional hot cross bun, others shared that they have been enjoying the novelty of the new hot cross buns.

Whether you're a fan of the classics or eager to try the latest flavours, the great hot cross bun war just gave us a dilemma: which hot cross bun will reign supreme? Share your thoughts and your favourite flavours in the comments below!

 

[Frida1944]

Forget Coles and Woolworths - their Easter products are hugely overpriced. Aldi is the best place to go for good quality chocolate Easter products at sensible prices. As for hot cross buns. The range in the supermarkets is ridiculous. Most people just want traditional hot cross buns and, again I go with Aldi, both for price and quality.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Storm in a teacup.

 

[darrellh]

I actually haven't tried Aldi but I love hot cross buns but agree traditional are what I think are the way to go. Not interested in twists etc, just a decent original but definitely no peel hate the stuff.

 

[NotNats]

I only buy mine from a local Bakery.

 

[darrellh]

I only buy mine from a local Bakery.

I used to only buy from bakers delight but last year bought them from woolworths and we all agreed they were nicer and cheaper on the pocket. Everyone is skimping on the main ingredients which make the best hot cross bun that is for sure.

 

[Still Ebby]

Does anyone wonder if they wash the fruit!
When l was a cook all the fruit was in a big box all stuck together and from another country. The cook l overlapped days with used to just dig it out with her fingers and never washed it when she cooked . l don't suppose the hot cross bun cooks do either Just a thought Enjoy

 

[Jest]

there is only one hot cross bun and that is the original. bought at easter time.

 

[Towing]

I wonder if all the Hot Cross Buns are made in Australia? Are the extra ingredients made in Australia? Hot Cross Buns have been in some Supermarkets since late December last year.
In SA Keynton Bakery to win. They make Hot Cross Buns that are sold by many charity organizations

 

[IAN3005]

Bugger the hot cross buns.....went without them when I was growing up and can do without them later years. Overpriced for what they are.

 

[SJ-G]

Coffee flavoured for the win.

 

[Yeshewa]

Frankly Easter is not about Hot Cross buns, the bunnies or the eggs……it’s about the crucifixion of our Savour Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection….just like Christmas it’s nothing but a money making racket. Don’t feed the money making machine.

 

[Littleboy8]

Woollies love em or my local bakery have the best fruit buns and treats ever

 

[Littleboy8]

I wonder if all the Hot Cross Buns are made in Australia? Are the extra ingredients made in Australia? Hot Cross Buns have been in some Supermarkets since late December last year.
In SA Keynton Bakery to win. They make Hot Cross Buns that are sold by many charity organizations

That’s a good question I just looked up my bag of woollies dried fruit and they actually are Turkish not Australian. Interesting never thought of looking to tell you the truth.