'I tried hot cross buns from Sainsbury's, M&S and Tesco and one weird flavour floored me'
Nothing says Easter like the first bite of a hot cross bun slathered in butter - but they aren't all created equal.
They are the ultimate herald of spring - a warming signal that we have finally shaken off the winter chill.
But the humble spiced bun is no longer just a seasonal treat, with eager supermarkets stocking them as early as January for Brits to get their fix. Waitrose says that sales have risen by more than a third in one year, with a whopping 336 million set to be scoffed across the country.
Like many classics in a world full of viral food trends, the hot cross bun has had a revamp as shops battle to entice customers with weird and wacky flavours. Gone are the days of a simple raisin-studded treat - shoppers are craving nostalgic, dessert-inspired hybrids. Think tiramisu, double chocolate and rhubarb and custard or triple cheese for the savoury lovers.
• Sainsbury's introduces major change in stores in the run-up to Easter
The purists among us will undoubtedly ask - why change a good thing? Are these new flavours just a marketing ploy or do they really deserve a place on your Easter table? I've been tasked with finding out.
As a hot-cross-bunaholic, this taste test was a real treat. But I had high expectations and judged each bun on the softness of the bread, the glossy finish, that all-important flavour profile and value for money.
Heading to M&S, Sainsbury's and Tesco, I picked up a classic pack, a cheesy variety, a caramel flavour and a chocolate one from each shop. It was a fierce competition, but this is how I got on...
Sainsbury's bunsRegular - 95p for 6
For the price and quality ingredients, these are hard to beat. Sainsbury's' traditional buns are packed full of mixed fruits and they are generously sized too. I would have liked a little bit more cinnamon for that classic spicy warmth, but overall it's a lovely traditional treat.
Rating: 3/5
Cherry and Dark Chocolate - £1.50 for four
The cherry is a fun addition - it's a trendy ingredient in the food world right now. But for me, the tart flavour is just too overpowering and takes away from the chocolatey goodness.
On the plus side, the shiny buns are dotted with oozy dark and white chocolate chunks that are a joy with each bite. These are a good size, soft and squidy.
Rating: 3/5
Chocolate and Salted Caramel - £2 for four
The runny caramel was quite a surprise in these buns. They had chunks of dark chocolate, caramel fudge pieces and brown sugar for a real indulgent finish. They weren't as sweet as they sound which I was pleased about, but despite being really fluffy and large, they tasted a little dry.
Rating: 2/5
Tesco bunsRegular £1.40 for six
Packed with sultanas, raisins and mixed peel, Tesco's regular hot cross buns pack a punch. They are wonderfully large and seriously moreish - especially when loaded with butter. Despite their size, the bread isn't dry - instead deliciously dense.
Rating: 3/5
Tesco's finest Cheddar & Red Leicester - £2 for four
Savoury hot cross buns seem to be the most controversial of the lot, but don't rule these out in your next shop. The Cheddar flavour is strong but not overpowering and the bun itself isn't too sweet. It reminds me of cheese on toast in the best way. Really packed with flavour.
Rating: 4/5
Tesco's finest Triple Chocolate - £2 for four
Say hello to chocolate heaven with these buns - but you'll need a sweet tooth. They are crammed with chocolate chips and have a glossy dark brown finish, but still look the part with the decorative cross on top.
Soft, fluffy and large in size, these definitely live up to their name as the chocolate taste was rich with each bits. However they were very sticky which made them hard to eat.
Rating: 4/5
Tesco's finest Salted Caramel & Chocolate - £2 for four
These are very sweet thanks to the salted caramel and small fudge pieces. The chocolate chips almost melt in the mouth and the bun is nice and fluffy. Perfect for those who have a sweet tooth as they are oozing with flavour.
The buns are quite large in size and smell exactly like a dessert. Perhaps a little too sweet for my liking, but if you like a caramel these are a great option.
Rating: 3/5
M&S bunsRegular - £2.65 for four
These are the priciest traditional buns in my taste test, but the quality ingredients really sing. The buns are brimming with warming spices and juicy fruits and the bread was dense and moist. I love how much cinnamon that runs through each bite.
For the price I would say there are better options for value for money, but if you are after a luxury bun, these are a real winner.
Rating: 4/5
Extremely Cheesy - £2.65 for four
Fluffy and moist buns injected with hidden chunks of salty cheese? Sign me up. Loaded with extra mature barber's cheddar and smooth Red Leicester, these are every savoury lover's dream. I'm amazed at how much flavour can be packed into a small bun.
I'd say they taste more like a scone or a cheese straw than a hot cross bun but if that's your jam - buy them immediately.
Rating: 4/5
Extremely Chocolately - £2.65 for four
Another decadant take, these are more brownie than hot cross bun. The chocolate buns are seriously sweet, so much so that I don't think you even need any butter or to toast them (shock horror, I know) as it's more like eating a dessert.
As a huge chocolate lover, these are definitely one of my favourites.
Rating: 5/5
Mini Millionaire's shortbread - £2.65 for nine
This flavour idea is fun, combining a Millionaires shortbread with a hot cross bun for the ultimate Easter treat. The caramel flavour is very strong in these, making them quite sickly. You can't really taste much of the chocolate or fudge in it which is disappointing. I can see why these are mini in size as they are seriously sweet.
Rating: 3/5
The verdict: Best hot cross bunsThe extremely chocolate hot cross buns from M&S are my winner. Non conventional, yes, but a real example of new flavours done right. They'll be a real talker on your Easter platter but be warned - you'll want more as soon as you rip open the packet.