From fruity to chocolatey and everything in between, Australia’s best supermarket hot cross buns have been revealed, just in time to stock up for Easter.

Each year the lucky crew at CHOICE taste test hot cross buns served up by supermarkets across Australia, and this year 19 different buns were put through their paces. Traditional fruit, chocolate, gluten-free and regular were tested from national supermarkets including Coles and Woolworths as well as IGA, Aldi, Bakers Delight and Costco. Last year Woolies took the top honour, but this year they’ve been toppled.

Coming out top of the pops in 2025 … drum roll please … Coles Luxurious Fruit Hot Cross Buns. It’s the second consecutive year Woolies has taken out the top billing.

“Coles Luxurious Fruit Hot Cross Buns took first place in our traditional bun taste test, receiving a score of 75%,” CHOICE Editorial Director, Mark Serrels said. “Our experts praised it for its great array of fruits, which produced interesting flavours and textures. Our judges also said this one is perfect for toasting and buttering.”

The CHOICE experts blind taste tested each hot cross bun, giving them a rating based on flavour, appearance, aroma and texture.

Australia’s Top Hot Cross Buns 2025

Here’s how each supermarket hot cross bun fared in taste testing by CHOICE.

Best Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Bun

Coles Luxurious Fruit Hot Cross Buns

CHOICE Expert Rating: 75%
Toasted score: 80%
Fresh (untoasted) score: 70%
Price: $1.38 per bun ($5.50 per 4-pack)
Health Star Rating: 3.5
Good to know: The pack price has gone up $1 since last year; suitable for vegetarians; no artificial colours or flavours.

Experts say: 

• “Good size, shape and even cross; great fruit variety so adds interesting flavours and textures. No glaze but overall a delicious product.”
• “Apricot is a great touch; needs glaze; when fresh it has a raw spice flavour but when toasted it has great texture and flavour.”
• “Perfect for toasting and buttering. Love the array of fruits.”

Best Chocolate Hot Cross Bun

Coles Bakery Easter Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

CHOICE Expert Rating: 82%
Toasted score: 83%
Fresh (untoasted) score: 90%
Price: .73c per bun ($4.40 per 6-pack)
Health Star Rating: 2
Good to know: 25% chocolate; the pack price has gone up 40 cents since last year; suitable for vegetarians; Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa.

Experts say:

• “Looks great, good amount of chocolate chips. Toasted – visually is perfect, chocolate smell is good, fluffy and dense from chocolate chips, flavour hit the mark.”
• “Chocolate pieces are evident and chocolate aroma and flavour comes through well.”
• “Nice milk chocolate flavour, no spice. Toasted flavour overpowers chocolate a bit. This one is better fresh.”
  

  ---

Best Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns

Aldi Bakers Life Gluten-Free Fruit Hot Cross Buns

CHOICE Expert Rating: 68%
Toasted score: 70%
Fresh (untoasted) score: 67%
Price: $1.33 per bun ($3.99 per 3-pack)
Health Star Rating: 3.5
Good to know: No artificial colours or flavours; dairy free; good source of dietary fibre; suitable for vegetarians.

Experts say:

• “Appearance not as attractive because it’s quite dark with flat shape, but it’s better on eating.”
• “Looks like a hockey puck, round, brown, lots of fruit. Looks very dark when toasted. Minimal aroma. Gritty texture but fluffy and still a bit gritty when toasted.”
• “Good appearance and great texture for a gluten-free bun.”

Woolworths Free From Gluten Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

CHOICE Expert Rating: 64%
Toasted score: 63%
Fresh (untoasted) score: 63%
Price: $1.38 per bun ($5.50 per 4-pack)
Health Star Rating: 3.5
Good to know: The pack price has gone up by 30 cents since last year; Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa; vegetarian; no artificial colours or flavours.

Experts say:

• “Good chocolate distribution but not as evident in aroma and texture.”
• “Flaxseed aroma and not much aroma when toasted. Texture looks great but turns to powder in the mouth, which is slightly improved on toasting. Powdery mouthfeel and flaxy aftertaste. Chocolate chips are too small to be of note. Unpleasant. Flavour is slightly improved on toasting but needs more chocolate.
• “Nice looking for gluten-free, shape is great. Flaxseed aroma and flavour is very strong. Where is the chocolate flavour?”

What’s your favourite supermarket hot cross bun? Let us know in the comments below!