Hot cross buns to hit shelves on Boxing Day

Hot cross buns are back in stock at major supermarkets, despite Christmas spirit still being in full swing. Have your say.

EXCLUSIVE

The supermarket hot cross bun fight is back on between Coles and Woolies as they go head-to-head after Christmas with the Easter treats on shelves.

Both retailers will be relying on popular sweet and savoury flavour twists to draw in shoppers.

From today, Woolworths’ hot cross buns filled with Cadbury Caramilk chips are returning with its full hot cross bun range in stores on Boxing Day.

Woolworths’ hot cross buns filled with Cadbury Caramilk chips are returning on Boxing Day. Picture: Supplied

Coles’ limited edition Vegemite-flavoured buns are making a comeback when it rolls out its army of buns on Tuesday.

Both supermarkets will also face-off with their own version of a brioche-based hot cross bun.

Coles is introducing a new fruity brioche bun with 30 per cent of mixed fruit including sultanas, cranberries and candied orange peel to its range.

For sweet tooths, Woolworths is offering a brioche chocolate hot cross bun.

Leo James, 9, Ava Pennell, 5, and Jasper Pennell, 8, taste test the range. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Coles Executive General Manager of Fresh, Andy Mossop, said popular demand has brought the Vegemite bun back.

They have also confirmed they will have 80 per cent more volume to meet demand after the Vegemite buns sold out in weeks last year.

“The savoury Vegemite mash-up is a favourite but for something a little sweeter, the new brioche dough base of our limited-edition Fruity Brioche Hot Cross Buns gives a more premium feel to the classic taste our customers know and love,” he said.

Coles hot cross buns are back including a new fruity brioche option. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Coles’ decision to bring hot cross buns back early again comes after it saw a 25 per cent increase in demand for hot cross buns compared to December 2020.

Woolworths Merchandise Manager Donald Keith said the supermarket’s partnership with Cadbury was “an easy decision”.

Woolworths Merchandise Manager Donald Keith said the company sold more than 1.8 million hot cross buns in the first week they were on sale last year. Picture: Supplied

Their Cadbury Caramilk bun will be produced in a larger quantity to ensure shoppers don’t miss out.

“We sold more than 1.8 million individual hot cross buns the first week they were on sale last year, and we anticipate the same as customers look to close off 2022 with a delicious and favourite treat,” Mr Keith said.

“Given the feedback from customers last Easter, we are confident these decadent buns will be popular once again.”

Both Coles and Woolworths will also sell other flavours including traditional fruit hot cross buns, apple and cinnamon, gluten free and fruitless buns.

ALDI has confirmed its hot cross bun range will arrive in stores in the New Year on January 20.

“The Australian made Baker’s Life range will include traditional fruit hot cross buns, fruitless and chocolate chip,” an ALDI spokesperson said.

“Our customers can also look forward to the addition of some new varieties closer to Easter.”

Originally published as Hot cross buns to hit shelves on Boxing Day