The Best Hot Cross Buns in Australia

The mighty bun with the cross starts to appear in stores the second the clock strikes midnight on Boxing Day, and while a solid four months of the best hot cross buns might seem like overkill, you won’t find us complaining!

Whether you’re a classic fruit purist, a fruit-free fan or an avant-garde chocolate chip lover, you can’t argue with the fact that they’re incredibly delicious and the perfect snack to ease you through the transition to cooler weather.

If you're wondering which are the best hot cross buns in Australia for 2025, leading consumer advocacy group CHOICE delivers their verdict year after year, and 2025 is no exception.

From traditional fruit buns to chocolate-infused delights and gluten-free alternatives, CHOICE’s expert panel conducted a blind taste test, sampling both toasted and untoasted buns from leading retailers including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, IGA, Costco, and Bakers Delight. The results are in, folks...

The Best Hot Cross Buns in Australia for 2025

The Best Traditional Hot Cross Bun in Australia

Taking out the top spot in the classic fruit bun category is Coles Finest Luxurious Fruit Hot Cross Buns, scoring 75%. Judges praised the buns for their rich aroma, balanced spice blend, and generous distribution of plump fruit. (Yes, our mouths are watering.)

The Best Chocolate Hot Cross Bun in Australia

Chocolate lovers, take note—Coles Bakery Easter Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns received the highest overall score of 82%, securing the best chocolate hot cross bun title.

Culinary judge Brigid Treloar, who also judges chocolate for the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, said the aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture made these buns stand out. “When toasted, you could really smell the chocolate, and as it melted, it created a luscious texture and deep chocolatey flavour,” she explained.

The Best Gluten-Free Hot Cross Bun in Australia

Gluten-free hot cross buns have long struggled to match their traditional counterparts in taste and texture, but this year, Aldi's Bakers Life Gluten-Free Fruit Hot Cross Buns took first place in the category, scoring 68%. Judges noted that gluten-free options have significantly improved in recent years, with better texture and a flavour profile that can now compete with standard fruit buns.

Honourable Mentions

Aldi also performed well in the chocolate hot cross bun category, with Aldi Bakers Life Chocolate Hot Cross Buns with Milk Chocolate Chips scoring 70%, coming in second place. Priced at just 67 cents per bun, these offer great value for money.

How Were the Hot Cross Buns Judged?

Each hot cross bun was tested on the following criteria:

• Flavour (50%) – Balance of spices, fruit distribution, and overall taste
• Appearance (20%) – Shape, sheen, and cross presentation
• Aroma (15%) – Strength of spice and fruit scents
• Texture (15%) – Density, softness, and how well they toast

While the traditional toasted-with-butter method remains a fan-favourite way to enjoy hot cross buns, CHOICE’s expert panel avoids spreads during testing to ensure the natural flavours and textures shine through. “You don’t want a bun to fall into a ball of dough when you eat it—that’s unpleasant,” Treloar added.

A Note on ‘Not Cross Buns’

With hot cross bun flavours evolving each year, CHOICE also conducted a separate test in February to evaluate non-traditional varieties such as apple & cinnamon, mocha, and even savoury options. However, Treloar insists that nothing beats the classic fruit-spiced bun, saying, “It’s a little bit like sacrilege to do something else to it.”

Final Verdict

With Easter just around the corner, Coles has proven to be the best destination for hot cross bun lovers in 2025, taking home the top titles for both traditional and chocolate categories. Aldi remains a strong contender with its affordable yet high-quality options, while gluten-free consumers can finally enjoy a bun that delivers on flavour.

So, whether you prefer fruity, chocolatey, or gluten-free, there’s a top-rated hot cross bun waiting for you this Easter! *Runs to the shops immediately.*

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