HAPPY BUNNY
I tried supermarket hot cross buns – the winner tastes better than M&S but cost less than half the price
The cheapest may not have been the tastiest but they were low in calories
A WARM, fruity and spiced hot cross bun makes the perfect Easter treat.
And even though it’s still weeks away, supermarkets are lining their shelves with all-sorts of flavours and special varieties.
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The original recipe contains raisins and is usually marked with a cross on the top and is traditionally eaten on Good Friday.
So if you’re not a fan of the fancy flavours, which bun is best?
I've tried out traditional-flavoured buns from each supermarket to reveal my favourite Easter treat..
Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Fruited Hot Cross Buns
- 99p for 4 or 24.7p each
- Per bun: 177 calories, 1.3g fat, 15.7g sugar, 0.27g salt
Read more taste tests
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Costing less than 25p each, not only are Aldi's buns great value, they taste delicious too.
They were just as good as M&S for texture, aroma and flavour and had a generous fruit content, but cost less than half the price.
They were sweet without being sickly with a buttery, soft dough.
Loved the spice in the dough and thought these had a very traditional flavour.
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I'd happily live on these until Easter Sunday.
- 5/5
Exceptional by Asda Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns
- £1.80 for 4 or 45p each
- Per bun: 232 calories, 2.8g fat, 20g sugar, 0.23g salt
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Asda’s premium buns were really delicious with a soft glaze that made them look appetising.
They were moist enough with lots of dry fruit and the perfect level of sweetness.
I liked the texture and they had the perfect hit of spicy warmth.
They are quite high in sugar and fat compared to other brands.
Not cheap either at 45p per bun, but still cheaper than M&S and Waitrose.
- 4/5
M&S Luxury Fruited Hot Cross Buns
- £2 for 4 or 50p each
- Per bun: 220 calories, 3.1g fat, 19.3g sugar, 0.29g salt
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Loved these fruity and flavoursome buns from M&S which were generously packed with juicy sultanas, currants, orange and lemon peel and had a perfect level of spice.
The dough was lovely, perfectly enriched with butter and egg, without the sugary glaze that others had and tasting better for it.
Not sure exactly what elevates them to "luxury" status but there is no doubt die-hard fans of the seasonal snack will enjoy these.
Perfect toasted, with a thick slab of butter.
- 4/5
Waitrose Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns
- £1.95 for 4 or 48.8p each
- Per bun: 174 calories, 1.7g fat, 17.6g sugar, 0.33g salt
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The Waitrose buns looked really attractive with a lovely sheen and whilst they had a generous helping of raisins and sultanas which delivered plenty of flavour, they were a little lacking in spice.
There was a slight citrus aroma, which I enjoyed.
Just lacking in wow factor.
- 3/5
'OMG' say shoppers as they spot major Easter staple weeks ahead of the big day
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Fruity Hot Cross Buns
- £1.80 for 4 or 45p each
- Per bun: 191 calories, 2.4g fat, 16.9g sugar, 0.24g salt
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A decent batch of buns, I thought the amount of fruit and level of sweetness was pretty much spot on, but they could have done with a bit more spice and if I’m being picky, they were a little on the dry side.
The currants were large and flavoursome and there was a slightly bitter aftertaste, though this wasn't unpleasant.
However this offering from Sainsbury's is perfect for a little morning pick me up.
- 3/5
Tesco Finest Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns
- £1.80 for 4 or 45p each
- Per bun: 203 calories, 2.2g fat, 18g sugar, 0.32g salt
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If you love the buttery texture of brioche bread, you'll love these Tesco buns.
They had a light and fluffy taste though they did look a bit squashed and squidgy.
The fruit was a little sticky and several times got stuck in my teeth.
Perhaps a little too salty.
- 2/5
Lidl Rowan Hill Hot Cross Buns
- £1.09 for 6 or 18.1p each
- Per bun: 190 calories, 2.2g fat, 14.3g sugar, 0.26g salt
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For a budget option, these Lidl buns were alright.
They didn't have as much fruit as I'd have liked and what was there certainly didn't have the fruity flavour that others did.
They were also a little on the dry side.
That said, they are an incredible price so if you are going to get through tons of them by Easter Sunday, these will save you packet.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
One of the lowest for fat, sugar content and calories, too.
- 2/5
How to save money at Easter
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements shares her tips on how to save cash at Easter...
Stock up on eggs - The best value Easter eggs typically sell out by the time the long weekend comes around so by in advance and stash in a cupboard so that you don't get tempted to nibble.
Cut entertaining costs - If you are hosting family or friends over the holiday, consider asking them to bring a dish such as dessert, or a couple of bottles to cut costs. Use a price comparison site to find the lowest prices on the food and any other decorations or gifts that you need. Try PriceRunner or Trolley.co.uk.
Plan ahead - School holidays combined with gift can make Easter a pricey time of year, especially if you have children. Create a budget ahead of time and look for ways to keep it in check. You can go for free days out by making a scavenge hunts and limit the number of
Flash sales - Make a list of what you need for Easter and look out for flash sales or promotions from supermarkets on items that you need.
Cashback - Use cashback sites to get a little kick back on any spending that you are doing. Try Topcashback or Quidco.
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