We compare hot cross buns from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, M&S and Asda

As Easter approaches at breakneck speed, we decided to compare supermarket own-brand hot cross buns to find the best one.

Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, a hot cross bun is a spiced sweet bun that is usually baked with fruit and marked with a cross on top.

With a plethora of buns out there, Robson McCallister of Birmingham Live chose five supermarkets to compare: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, M&S, and Asda.

Here is how he got on:

He wrote: “Having never had one before, I was eager to try the fruity bun.”

Sainsbury’s – £1.10

“I was already hit by the strong smell of fruit as I tried my toasty bun.

“There was definitely elements of flavour here but not particularly strong – it felt more like a plain bun at parts.

“A bit on the bland side, there wasn’t enough filling of fruit and spices for me. An okay start but I was hoping for better.”

3.5/5

Asda – £1.15

“Just like Sainsburys’, Asda’s toasted bun smelt lovely as I went in for a second bun. A perfect balance of sweet and spice.

“It’s not too overpowering but it certainly isn’t boring either.

“It walks a fine line of balance to create a satisfying bun.”

4/5

Aldi – 99p

“After two attempts of toasting led to this bun disintegrating, I had to switch to the oven for Aldi’s bun.

“A bit of a nuisance considering the other buns were able to keep their shape.

“Taste-wise, the less said the better.

“Asda had the winning formula of both sweet and spice, but Aldi’s recipe was just plain boring.

“Not one that I’m in a rush to try again.”

2/5

M&S – £1.90

“Described as a luxury hot cross bun, M&S had the most expensive buns out of the lot.

“Whilst it had the same familiarity that Asda had in terms of taste, there was one factor which earnt the bun a higher score.

“The bun was able to maintain its flavour for a longer period of time than anticipated, capping off every bite with an enjoyable aftertaste.

“A fantastic hot cross bun.”

4.5/5

Tesco – £1.70

“The last on the list was another ‘luxury’ hot cross bun. And once again, a high score was earned.

“I couldn’t really choose between this or Asda, both tasted so similar with the fruit and spice content.

“Ultimately, I just had to give both the same score by the end of the review.”

4/5

Verdict

“Overall, M&S came out on top, narrowly beating Tesco and Asda.

“I would recommend all three, whether you’re a hot cross bun veteran or trying for the first time, you’re spoilt for choice with those supermarket options.

“Sainsbury’s and Aldi end up with less than favourable scores but it’s just an honest opinion.

“You might find the Aldi one to be the best, please be sure to let me know in the comments what your favourite supermarket hot cross bun is.”