Aussies say traditional hot cross buns are best in new IGA research

Aussies have weighed in and most seem to agree on the best way to eat the beloved Easter treat - but there was another surprising result.

Most Aussies agree the traditional hot cross bun is best, as new research has found more than three in five prefer the classic variety to more adventurous flavours.

The classic hot cross bun reigns supreme for most Australians, as new research commissioned by IGA reveals a whopping 64 per cent rate the traditional fruit bun above other flavour combinations, and nearly half agree hot cross buns should only be fruit-filled or plain.

Butter is the “ultimate condiment” according to 78 per cent of those surveyed, with margarine, jam, Nutella, and honey rounding out the top five.

The classic hot cross buns reigns supreme for most Australians, as new research commissioned by IGA revealed that a whopping 64 per cent prefer the traditional fruit bun over other flavour combinations

Perhaps surprisingly, two in five would rather indulge in a hot cross bun than chocolate.

Opinions were mixed on when the Easter favourite should hit supermarket shelves - while one-third of hot cross bun fans wanted them to be available all year round, more than half agreed they were released too early each year.

Most Aussies agree that the traditional hot cross bun is best, as new research has found more than three in five prefer the classic variety over more adventurous flavours.

Australians’ love affair with the traditional baked treat is a combination of “nostalgia” and the “really perfect flavour combination”, IGA spokesperson Heather Howell says.

“I suppose there’s something in that saying ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it’. Hot cross buns hold so many special memories for people, plus they’re delicious,” she said.

“Adventurous flavours create hype and excitement, but I think people really steer towards the traditional fruit hot cross buns.”

Ms Howell said their research also found a huge 87 per cent of Aussies prefer their hot cross buns warmed or toasted.

“We put all of the different cooking methods to the test in our test kitchen,” she said.

“Our research showed that microwave and toasters tied as the top ways that Aussies like their hot cross buns.

“But in our testing, controversially, the air fryer came out as being the best way to cook the hot cross buns.

“We popped it in the air fryer at 180C for eight minutes, and it was crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside.”

IGA found the best cooking methods for each appliance were 30 seconds in the microwave, one minute and 31 seconds in the toaster, 10 minutes at 160C in the oven and 6 minutes at 180C under the grill.

With one in three Aussies eating at least two or more in one sitting, Ms Howell suggests people try out each option to find their preference.