Supermarket hot cross bun fight between Coles, Woolworths, ALDI begins with a sweet twist

Hot cross buns are back nearly five months before Easter, but not everyone is happy about it, as shoppers weigh in on when the popular treat should go on sale. See our poll results.

Readers have weighed into the controversy on when supermarkets should start selling hot cross buns, voting overwhelmingly against them being stocked as early as Boxing Day.

In a poll by this masthead, of 2861 votes cast, 81% voted to say the day after Christmas was too early to sell the popular Easter treat, while 19% voted that it wasn’t.

The annual hot cross bun controversy kicked off as Coles, Woolworths and ALDI released them on their shelves this Boxing Day.

But the war between them got a little sweeter – with Coles vowing to donate a portion of every sale to help support families facing childhood cancer through the Redkite charity.

Coles general manager commercial, bakery, dairy & frozen, Brad Gorman, said the opportunity to donate through buying buns makes it easy for customers to give back.

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

Coles’ donation of 20 cents from every six and nine-pack of hot cross buns sold will go to help children like Zoe, 12, who developed a fast-growing tumour behind her eye when she was just two-years-old.

Her mother Susannah said Redkite’s support has been a lifeline for them as her daughter had multiple surgeries and treatment.

“When your child is diagnosed with cancer, your whole world changes overnight. Redkite has been there every step of the way and it’s that kind of support you need when everything feels so overwhelming,” she said.

Zoe (left) and Nicola with Coles Hot Cross Buns. Picture: Martin Keep/Coles

“The help we’ve received allowed us to focus on Zoe and be there for her through everything.”

Redkite chief executive officer Monique Keighery said Coles’ support helps them in many ways.

“This translates to counselling for children and families, financial assistance for everyday necessities like groceries and fuel, and guidance to help families navigate the unimaginable world of childhood cancer,” she said.

While Coles is selling its Vegemite and Cheese and Arnott’s Iced VoVo inspired hot cross buns alongside traditional flavours again, Woolworths is bringing back its Fairy Bread bun with a new and improved recipe.

Vegemite and cheese hot cross buns. Picture: Martin Keep/Coles

Fruit free hot cross buns at Coles. Picture: Martin Keep/Coles

It will also sell its popular Cadbury Caramilk and Brioche hot cross buns with traditional varieties.

Woolworths bakery merchandise manager Donald Keith said their team worked hard to fine tune the Fairy Bread 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,” he said.

Fairy Bread hot cross buns. Picture: Supplied/ Woolworths

Caramilk hot cross buns. Picture: Supplied / Woolworths

ALDI also confirmed its popular Baker’s Life Hot Cross Buns are in stores from Boxing Day as well.

“The range will include traditional fruit hot cross buns, fruitless and chocolate chip,” a spoksperson said.

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

Originally published as Supermarket hot cross bun fight between Coles, Woolworths, ALDI begins with a sweet twist