As the Easter season approaches, Australians are witnessing a fierce competition that has become as much a part of the holiday tradition as the Easter bunny itself. The ‘great hot cross bun war’ of 2025 is in full swing, with supermarkets across the nation pulling out all the stops to claim the title of the most innovative and delicious hot cross bun.
The battle lines were drawn five years ago when Woolworths introduced two limited-edition twists on the classic spiced bun, setting the stage for an annual culinary showdown. Since then, the stakes have only gotten higher, with each supermarket chain striving to outdo the others with their unique takes on the Easter staple.
Woolworths has continued to try new things, delighting customers with an ‘indulgent’ range that includes the wildly popular Biscoff-filled and Caramilk varieties. Their latest collaboration with Cinnabon, featuring an ‘ooey gooey cream cheese style filling,’ has set social media abuzz, with customers scrambling to get their hands on the innovative treat.
Not to be outdone, Coles has entered the hot cross bun ‘war’ with its array of adventurous flavours. Their partnership with Arnott’s brought biscuit-inspired hot cross buns to the table, with Iced VoVo and Pizza Shapes editions. The Wagon Wheels ‘inspired’ bun, with its chocolate dough and marshmallow flavour combined with raspberry fudge, jellies, and choc chips, is Coles’ latest salvo in the bun battle.
Thea Comino, Coles bakery product developer, encapsulates the spirit of the competition: ‘Hot cross bun innovation has become a national obsession. Every year, we push the boundaries, keep [Australians] guessing, and build excitement in the lead-up to Easter.’
The nation’s love affair with over-the-top (OTT) hot cross buns has even caught international attention, with the New York Times likening it to America’s pumpkin spice craze. To add, while traditional flavours like Apple & Cinnamon or Strawberries & Clotted Cream are the most exotic finds in the UK, Australian supermarkets are redefining what a hot cross bun can be.
Donald Keith, Woolworths’ resident ‘hot cross bun expert,’ explains that the drive for new flavours is fueled by consumer demand and a year-long development process. As an example, the Fairy Bread hot cross bun, introduced in 2023, exemplifies the blend of sweet flavour and nostalgia that Australians crave.
IGA and ALDI have also thrown their hats into the ring, with Reese’s and Bakers Life Banoffee Hot Cross Buns, respectively.
However, some shoppers argue that the supermarkets have strayed too far from tradition, longing for the simple pleasure of a toasted hot cross bun with butter.
Despite these, many food enthusiasts revel in the annual ‘hot cross bun war.’ Melbourne vlogger Ange Eats appreciates the innovation in the bakery sector, while Nectro Vlangos, a popular food reviewer, expresses his love for the untraditional trend, eagerly anticipating next year’s flavours.
While it’s difficult to crown an official winner, social media buzz and customer reactions suggest that Woolworths’ Cinnabon flavour could be a strong contender for 2025. The collaboration with Cinnabon, utilising their signature cinnamon and cream cheese-style filling, has resulted in a product that has flown off the shelves, with customers reporting sell-outs and travelling to multiple stores to find it.
As the Easter season progresses, the question on everyone’s lips is: Who will win the 2025 hot cross bun showdown? With just over a month of sales left, it’s too early to call, but one thing is certain—the competition has given Australians a wide range of choices and the excitement of the hunt for the next great hot cross bun.
Our YourLifeChoices readers, we’d love to hear from you. Have you tried any of these innovative hot cross buns? Which flavour has captured your taste buds, and which do you think deserves the crown this year? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Your guide to Australia’s amazing range of hot cross bun flavours this 2025
