We test all the best supermarket hot cross buns from Aldi to M&S – and reveal which ones have the most currants in
IT’S a bun fight in the shops this year – with a baffling array of the seasonal treats fighting for shoppers’ attention. But some contain such a stingy amount of currants that you might end up feeling a bit cross. Laura Stott, tucked into a selection of traditional hot cross buns and rates each one […]
IT’S a bun fight in the shops this year – with a baffling array of the seasonal treats fighting for shoppers’ attention.
But some contain such a stingy amount of currants that you might end up feeling a bit cross.
Laura Stott, tucked into a selection of traditional hot cross buns and rates each one out of five.
She also counted the number of currants and reveals how many each bun contains.
BY AMAZON
six for £1
THESE are big and beautiful to look at, but for me the downside was the chewy, slightly pale dough inside and an extremely sweet aftertaste.
The aroma was more cake-like than the usual spicy smells you want from a currant bun.
Super-sweet wouldn’t be my preference, but if you like your hot cross buns more syrupy than savoury these would probably hit the spot.
Taste: 3
Currants: 14 per bun
ICELAND
six for £1
Slightly mismatched in size and some decidedly wonky crosses, but these buns still offered some Easter charm for not much buck.
They had a nice home-made feel, and although the texture was straying into teacake territory they were still mouth-watering.
The small but high shape meant they were best heated under the grill rather than a toaster.
Taste: 3
Currants: 19 per bun
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CO-OP
four for 85p
PERFECTLY fine as basic buns, and vegan too, but there wasn’t much else to get excited about.
The dough was very firm and the tight texture made them tricky to toast evenly as they wouldn’t squash into the toaster. They weren’t especially pleasant eaten dry, either.
Some decent juicy currants and a nice waft of nutmeg, but not a fun bun.
Taste: 2
Currants: 12 per bun
ALDI LUXURY
four for 99p
A LITTLE pricier as there are only four in the pack, but the taste and look of these buns is a real Easter treat.
They have fat, soft, golden dough with a very generous amount of fruit and peel. Tasty enough to enjoy out of the packet but really came into their own toasted and slathered in butter.
A great balance between sweet and savoury – and they smelt lovely too.
Taste: 5
Currants: 20 per bun
MARKS & SPENCER
four for £1.50
DENSLEY fruited and spiced, these luxury, pillow-soft buns are very generous size with a moreish texture.
Not the cheapest but for the price you get oodles of fruit and zesty peel pieces, lovely warming spices and plentiful dough which has been infused with unsalted butter.
They’re indulgent, rich – and utterly delicious.
Taste: 4
Currants: 24 per bun
LIDL
six for 89p
A NICE, warm golden brown colour and a glaze so sticky the buns were glued to the packet, which was reflected in the more saccharine taste.
Plenty of fruit and a nice spiced flavour with a hint of orange. Great value for money.
Definitely best eaten toasted – as long as you don’t mind a sugar rush afterwards.
Taste: 3
Currants: 19 per bun
TESCO FINEST
four for £1.50
A gorgeous honey colour, nice even crosses and generously packed with juicy bits of fruit, sultanas, currants and raisins.
These citrus-tinged buns are slightly bitter toasted. I preferred them plain, due to their exceptionally moist texture.
Might not be sweet enough for some palates – and they are rather pricey.
Taste: 3
Currants: 21 per bun
SAINSBURY’S
six for £1
WHAT lovely plump currants – if only there were more of them!
As a bit of a spice girl, I’d have loved more of that classic warming taste, too.
On the plus side, they were hugely improved once toasted and buttered, and are a bargain price for six.
But eating them reminded me more of splitting open burger buns than tucking into traditional Easter treats.
Taste: 2
Currants: 12 per bun