Forget the traditional hot cross bun—supermarket specialty flavours are the new Easter essential. New Canstar research shows nearly one in four Australians (23%) now rank taste-testing these unique treats as a holiday highlight.
Hot cross bun enthusiasts have also rated ALDI the winner of Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Award for Hot Cross Buns, awarding five stars for overall satisfaction, taste, texture, freshness, value for money, and packaging.
Flavour innovation fuels the craze
While Canstar’s latest research shows 45% of shoppers prefer the traditional variety of hot cross buns, those keen on the specialty flavours are driving supermarket foot traffic, with the data showing:
- 17% have visited a different supermarket specifically to try a special hot cross bun flavour.
- 14% admit to eating an entire pack of special‑flavoured buns on their own.
- 21% plan to try and taste every special flavour available this Easter.
Almost one-quarter buy buns on Boxing Day
Despite the annual debate over hot cross buns appearing on supermarket shelves as early as Boxing Day, an earlier Canstar survey has revealed just how keen Aussies are to see them on sale:
- 24% of shoppers bought hot cross buns as soon as they were available in supermarkets.
- 30% wish hot cross buns were available year-round.
- 18% buy hot cross buns on every shopping trip during Easter.
Canstar spokesperson, Eden Radford, says, “Hot cross buns are one of Australia’s most loved Easter traditions, and Canstar’s latest research shows Australians take them seriously, as well as adventurously”.
She added: “They’re a classic treat that has evolved from a seasonal staple to something just short of a culinary event – with shoppers happy to make the trek to a different supermarket to give a new flavour a try.
“While some might baulk at the thought of hot cross buns in the shopping aisles in December, for almost a third of Aussies, that’s a welcome offer that they’re more than happy to take up.
“ALDI has impressed customers with its range of hot cross bun flavours, taking out Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Award with a high rating across a number of categories including taste, value for money, and overall satisfaction.”
