Where to buy the best hot cross buns for Easter: Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and more

Traditional, chocolate, free from, and a hot cross bun tart - our Food Team have tried and tested them all...

A selection of hot cross buns for Easter
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Nothing says Easter more than a hot cross bun and this collection of baked goods is by far the best for this year. 

Packed full of fruit and spiced to high heaven, there’s something instantly comforting about hot cross buns for Easter (especially when they’re toasted and slathered in butter). This year's hot cross buns have certainly raised the bar, with many supermarkets offering novelty and savoury buns as well as the traditional bun. There really is something for everyone.

This year's Easter taste test has been conducted by our expert Food Team; Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks, Food Writer, Amanda James, and Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks. Speaking about the testing, Rose said: “We know how many people eagerly await the start of hot cross bun season, so we really wanted to get this right. We spent hours testing the buns both toasted and untoasted and hope you love our selection as much as we do.”

Collectively, the team has years of experience trying and testing thousands of new food and drink products each year as well as developing new and exciting recipes. This means you can trust their judgment and feel confident that they would only score a product highly if they truly thought it was worthy.  With that in mind, here are this year's favourites...

Where to buy the best hot cross buns?

Best hot cross buns 2024

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

1. M&S 4 Luxury Hot Cross Buns (M&S), 4pk,  View at Ocado

1. M&S 4 Luxury Hot Cross Buns (M&S), 4pk,  <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ocado.com%2Fproducts%2Fm-s-luxury-hot-cross-buns-510683011%3Fgad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAiA_5WvBhBAEiwAZtCU77rYuXGO3-AYx97SZvAD8Fas_fjfu9q_WTYoeic7X6mGkK7DFrRDXxoCNToQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - ocado.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Ocado

Winner: Best Traditional

RRP: £2.10

Described as a ‘great all-rounder’, we all really enjoyed this bun. Enriched with butter and egg, this golden bun was generous-sized with a nicely piped cross. With a light and airy dough, it had a well-balanced flavour profile with a subtle spice and a citrussy zing. Flecked with a generous amount of plump fruit and mixed peel that was evenly distributed ensuring you get a juicy burst in every mouthful. It's best toasted (aren't they all!?) but is also pleasing untoasted. 

Food Editor Jess Meyer said "The buns have a lovely subtle spice and a generous amount of fruit that is evenly distributed. The crumb is moist without being claggy, and quite light."


2. Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Hot Cross Buns 4pk - View at Aldi

2. Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Hot Cross Buns 4pk - <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=19523&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fgroceries.aldi.co.uk%2Fen-GB%2Fp-specially-selected-luxury-fruited-hot-cross-buns-300g4-pack%2F4088600102269" data-link-merchant="aldi.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Aldi

Winner: Best Traditional Runner-Up

RRP: £1.35

A little more ‘homemade’ looking than others, judges were still impressed by the appearance of this bun, golden in colour and glazed. Judges thought it looked far more premium than the price suggests. Whilst slightly lighter on fruit than the M&S bun, this allowed the mixed peel to shine through, with strong warming spices. Judges were impressed by the butteriness of the dough, noting that it was better than many of the other premium options.  

Junior Food Writer, Georgia Sparks said "This is an attractive bun with a pleasant warming spice mixture and airy dough. It’s a lovely golden colour and is packed with a good amount of plump fruit."


3. M&amp;S Extremely Chocolatey Hot Cross Buns, 260g, View at Ocado

3. M&S Extremely Chocolatey Hot Cross Buns, 260g, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ocado.com%2Fproducts%2Fm-s-extremely-chocolatey-hot-cross-buns-545212011%3Fgad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAiA_5WvBhBAEiwAZtCU7zdFzoyCwKBsd2DHHOFCvN02XIgeQDp0sE45ty6CZm1vPyV1VgQ2IxoC6uIQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - ocado.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Ocado

Winner: Best chocolate hot cross buns

RRP: £1.85

For those that still want to indulge, but don’t enjoy the classic hot cross bun, this chocolatey bun is for you. Whilst lacking the golden colour that traditional buns have, these buns were dark brown due to the chocolate-infused dough made with irresistible milk and dark chocolate, judges thought they were reminiscent of chocolate cake. Whilst some preferred it untoasted so they could savour the chunks of milk chocolate, others preferred the gooey puddles of chocolate from toasting. 

Rose Fooks, Deputy Food Editor said "This bun has a rich chocolatey flavour with chocolate chips. The sweet pops of melty chocolate in every bite are delicious!"


4. Finest Cheddar &amp; Red Leicester Hot Cross Buns, 232g, - View at Tesco

4. Finest Cheddar & Red Leicester Hot Cross Buns, 232g, - <a href="https://tesco.pxf.io/c/221109/1372206/16460?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tesco.com%2Fgroceries%2Fen-GB%2Fproducts%2F315854279" data-link-merchant="tesco.com"">View at Tesco

Winner: Best savoury

RRP: £1.60 

When you find a savoury hot cross bun, it means you can have them for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner. And these cheesy golden buns might just tempt you to do that. These extra cheesy hot cross buns are made with chunks of extra mature Cheddar and Red Leicester for a burst of savoury flavour in every bite. 

Judges praised the nice cheese flavour, noting that it was not synthetic tasting like many others they had tried. Light and airy, the dough wasn’t claggy. Toasted or untoasted, this savoury number would be a welcome sandwich alternative, perfect for a toastie. 

Food Director, Jen Bedloe said "This light and airy bun has a great cheese flavour which shines through. The cheese used is nice and mature which is a welcome surprise and really adds to the depth of flavour."


Image

5.  Irresistible Hot Hot Hot Cross Bun, 4pk - Available at Co-op 

Winner: Best savoury runner up

RRP: £1.60 

For those who enjoy a little spice, this plump, vibrant orange bun is a must-try. These buns do what they say on the tin, the chilli-forward flavour from the dried jalapenos, chilli, chilli powder, and sweet chilli is pretty fiery. Similarly to the Finest Cheddar & Red Leicester bun, this would also make a great sandwich or toastie. 

Food Editor, Jess Meyer said: "Not for the faint-hearted, this bun is heavy on the chilli. It would make a mean brunch burger bun over the Easter weekend, stuffed with bacon and a fried egg. Job done."


6. M&amp;S Extremely Caramely Hot Cross Buns, 236g - View at Ocado

6. M&S Extremely Caramely Hot Cross Buns, 236g - <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ocado.com%2Fproducts%2Fm-s-4-extremely-caramely-hot-cross-buns-626480011&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - ocado.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Ocado

Winner: Best new flavour

RRP: £2.00

There’s a new kid on the bun block, and we’re here for it! These glossy buns are flecked with rich salted caramel pieces. With butterscotch flavours, judges thought the flavour was reminiscent of a Werther's Original. A great option for those with a sweet tooth but don’t enjoy dried fruit. 

Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks said: "A good sized bun with a neat finish. The nuggets of caramel add a gooiness and they are good both plain and toasted. For the non-fruit fans, these will hit the spot!"


7. Extra Special Lemon &amp; White Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, 4 pack - View at Asda

7. Extra Special Lemon & White Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, 4 pack - <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-6361382-15730535?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://groceries.asda.com/product/hot-cross-buns-teacakes/asda-extra-special-4-lemon-white-chocolate-hot-cross-buns/1000383210170?&cmpid=ppc-_-ghs-_--_-google-_--_-dskwid-_dc&s_kwcid=AL!11432!3!!!!x!!&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAopuvBhBCEiwAm8jaMfSUoulyEAzM2Z6Ly5o1sz4yaOQ8Mj-3vnrr_01DFrfZsUViMojXOBoC-7kQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" data-link-merchant="groceries.asda.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Asda

Winner: Best new flavour runner-up

RRP £1.40

Another for those who don’t enjoy a classic. This Hot cross bun is packed with Belgian white chocolate chunks, candied lemon peel, and lemon zest. Judges thought these buns were wonderfully soft, with a refreshing zingy lemon flavour that wasn’t artificial tasting or medicinal. The pockets of white chocolate added a creaminess that balanced out the zingy lemon. 

Amanda James, Food Writer said: "I would happily have this instead of a traditional hot cross bun! I loved the contrast between the lemon and white chocolate. They’d be a great treat on Easter morning."


8. Taste the Difference Free From Hot Cross Bun Flavoured Tarts, 190g - View at Sainsbury's&nbsp;

8. Taste the Difference Free From Hot Cross Bun Flavoured Tarts, 190g - <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sainsburys.co.uk%2Fgol-ui%2Fproduct%2Fsainsburys-ff-taste-the-difference-4-hot-cross-tarts-190g&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - sainsburys.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Sainsbury's 

Winner: Best free from

RRP: £3.25

For those who avoid gluten and milk, judges were impressed by this hot cross bun-tart hybrid and thought it was a better option than most gluten-free buns on the market. Dainty pastry cases filled with a spiced syrup sponge and juicy raisins. Judges thought it had a good level of spice, with a nice kick of ginger. Warmed through, this tart would make the perfect pud or afternoon tea.

Amanda James, Food Writer said: "These tarts have a cute design and make a welcome change from a bun, the texture is nice with the contrast of the crisp pastry case and the soft and sticky filling."


9. Free From Hot Cross Buns, 4 Pack - View at Tesco

9. Free From Hot Cross Buns, 4 Pack - <a href="https://tesco.pxf.io/c/221109/1372206/16460?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tesco.com%2Fgroceries%2Fen-GB%2Fproducts%2F281823783" data-link-merchant="tesco.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Tesco

Winner: Free from runner-up

RRP: £2.00  

Gluten, wheat, and milk free these hot cross buns with sultanas, raisins, and currants are a great option for those who can't eat gluten. Heavily spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon and packed with plenty of plump fruit, the texture was light and airy, but not spongey, which is often the case with gluten-free buns. 

Rose Fooks, Deputy Food Editor said: "This gluten-free bun has a really good texture, it’s not too spongey or dense like many others we tasted." 


10. &nbsp;M&amp;S Plant Kitchen Vegan Hot Cross Buns, 260g, &nbsp;- View at Ocado

10.  M&S Plant Kitchen Vegan Hot Cross Buns, 260g,  - <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ocado.com%2Fproducts%2Fm-s-plant-kitchen-hot-cross-buns-544980011%3Fgad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAiA6KWvBhAREiwAFPZM7qBcsbpYg-4N1EFBWLRPWi7T-yMNjlDxD71yyxlolHitIVsMxHGF8xoCyAQQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - ocado.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Ocado

Winner: Best vegan

RRP: £2.00

Packed full of juicy sultanas and raisins, with mixed peel and a blend of warming spices. For those who can't eat enriched doughs, this makes a great option. The fruit is well distributed and plump and the level of spice is good. 

Georgia Sparks, Junior Food Writer said: "This bun has a really great texture and flavour. Visually it also looks great too, with an enticing golden top."


Food Team taste testing hot cross buns 2024

(Image credit: Future)

How did we test the best hot cross buns?

Using their experience as professional recipe developers and food journalists, Jen, Jess, Rose, Amanda and Georgia tasted each hot cross bun focusing on top quality produce. As well as overall taste, each bun was assessed on its texture, size, and look. 

For texture, the judges were looking to make sure the dough hadn’t dried out and that there was good aeration from a successful proof.

Size and shape should - in our opinion - be large enough to make a good, filling snack, and the shape should be round and puffed on top. The overall look should naturally have the signature cross across the top, but also a pleasingly shiny glaze and perhaps an indicator as to what the flavour of the overall bun is.

Meet the experts: Tried and tested by...

Rose Fooks profile photo
Rose Fooks

Rose Fooks is Deputy Food Editor at Future Publishing, creating recipes, reviewing products and writing food features for a range of lifestyle and home titles including GoodTo and Woman&Home. She has a Diplome de Patisserie and Culinary Management at London’s Le Cordon Bleu. Career highlights have included interviewing the wonderful Mary Berry and working on Truth, Love and Clean Cutlery; a guidebook of sustainable restaurants in the UK. 

Profile picture of Jen Bedloe
Jen Bedloe

An experienced recipe writer, editor, and food stylist, Jen is Group Food Director at Future plc where she oversees the food content across the women’s lifestyle group, including Woman and Home, Women’s Weekly, Woman, Woman’s Own, Chat, Goodto.com, and womanandhome.com. Jen studied Communications at Goldsmiths, then landed her first job in media working for Delia Smith’s publishing company on Sainsbury’s magazine. Jen honed her practical skills by combining courses at Leith’s cookery school with time spent in the test kitchen testing recipes and assisting food stylists on photoshoots. 

Profile picture of Jess Meyer
Jess Meyer

Jess is the Group Food Editor at Future PLC, working across brands in the woman’s lifestyle group, including Woman and Home, Woman’s Weekly, Woman, Woman’s Own, Chat, womanandhome.com and Goodto.com.  An experienced recipe writer, food stylist and home economist, Jess honed her skills in print and digital food media, working with well known brands such as Great British Bake Off, Tastemade US and UK, and Slimming World to name a few. 

Profile picture of Georgia Sparks
Georgia Sparks

Georgia Sparks is Junior Food Writer, working across Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly, Chat and goodto.com. She's passionate about food and is most content knife and fork in hand around the table with family and friends. Georgia works within the Food Team at Future Plc where she can usually be found in the kitchen developing and testing recipes as well as assisting on shoots and writing food features. 

Looking for more Easter inspiration? We've got delicious Easter cake ideas, simple Easter desserts you can try making at home as well as Easter lamb recipes and fun Creme Egg recipes the kids are going to love.

Georgia Sparks
Junior Food Writer

Georgia Sparks is Junior Food Writer, working across Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly, Chat and goodto.com. She's passionate about food and is most content knife and fork in hand around the table with family and friends. Georgia works within the Food Team at Future Plc where she can usually be found in the kitchen developing and testing recipes as well as assisting on shoots and writing food features. When Georgia isn’t eating or writing about food she enjoys working on her fitness, being outside and spending time with her friends and family.