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Shoppers divided by popular item spotted in supermarkets

Aussies are divided over the fact a treat has already been spotted in the aisles of our supermarkets, as many are still celebrating Christmas.

Christianity ‘under fire’ as UK supermarket removes cross from hot cross buns

Australians are divided over the fact a popular treat has been spotted in our supermarkets, even as many are still celebrating Christmas.

Kati Keksi, who runs a gluten free Facebook page, shared a photo she was sent of Baker’s Life Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns at Aldi. The treats came in fruit and chocolate flavours.

She asked if people were “happy, ambivalent, irrationally angry or legitimately angry” over the treats being sold before the end of the year.

The post was shared on December 21. However, it’s no secret that often hot cross buns are released by supermarkets on Boxing Day.

As always, the topic of hot cross buns being sold anywhere near the festive season sparked a furious debate. Some wanted the treats all year around but others were outraged.

“Makes me so happy to see these at any time of year! We love them,” one social media user said.

Hot cross buns have been spotted at Aldi. Picture: Facebook/Kati Keksi – your gluten free guide
Hot cross buns have been spotted at Aldi. Picture: Facebook/Kati Keksi – your gluten free guide

Another added: “This is so wrong. Commercialism at it worst!”

“Ridiculous, at least let’s get Christmas over with first,” another social media user added.

One said: “I stopped caring. Hot cross buns no longer represent Easter so might as well sell them all year and remove them from the Easter calendar.”

“Happy they actually make them for us coeliacs lol,” another declared.

One commented: “They’re getting earlier and earlier! Just make them year round at this point! When I worked for Woolies there was a big hubbub about hot cross buns coming out on January 1 and now they’re not even waiting for the new year.”

“I wish they had them for sale all year round,” another added.

Another social media user commented: “I don’t care, if it makes people happy, let them have it, we need more of that in the world.”

An Aldi spokesperson said the reason the hot cross buns were in store was because of consumer demand.

“As one of the most popular seasonal ranges in stores, each year we experience increasing demand for Hot Cross Buns to be available earlier in the year, which is why we are proud our popular Baker’s Life Hot Cross Buns are in stores from the 26 December 2024,” an Aldi spokesperson told news.com.au.

“The Australian made Baker’s Life range will include traditional fruit Hot Cross Buns, fruitless, chocolate chip and gluten free.

“Our customers can also look forward to the addition of some new exciting varieties closer to Easter! Keep an eye out in catalogue or hop on our website to see what delicious treats will be available.”

Woolworths Hot Cross Bun Range 2024. Picture: Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths
Woolworths Hot Cross Bun Range 2024. Picture: Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths

Aldi isn’t the only supermarket that has released hot cross buns. Woolworths also revealed the popular Fairy Bread and Cadbury Caramilk hot cross buns were in stores and online from December 26. Other flavours included chocolate, brioche chocolate, fruit and apple and cinnamon. It also has three gluten free varieties.

Donald Keith, Woolworths Hot Cross Bun Expert and Bakery Merchandise Manager, said: “Customers could not get enough of the Fairy Bread flavour last year – it was a fan favourite – and we’re excited to be bringing even more of them to shelves this year.

“Our bakery team worked hard to fine tune the recipe and deliver an even fluffier dough with white chocolate chips. We want customers to enjoy all of the elements that remind them of Fairy Bread, putting a modern twist on an old classic.”

Coles released its hot cross bun range as well. The supermarket chain revealed 20 cents from every six and nine pack of buns would be donated to Redkite. This is in a bit to help support families facing childhood cancer. The donation promotion will run until January 1.

Brad Girman, Coles General Manager Commercial, Bakery, Dairy and Frozen, said; “We’re incredibly proud of our 11-year partnership with Redkite, through which we’ve supported more than 8,500 families dealing with some of life’s toughest challenges.

“We’re turning a delicious treat into a powerful way to make a difference, helping to fund vital services for children and their families.”

Originally published as Shoppers divided by popular item spotted in supermarkets

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/lifestyle/food/shoppers-divided-by-popular-item-spotted-in-supermarkets/news-story/2155f54c1979adde502a93cd3e704d44