It's approaching that time of year where it's socially acceptable to eat a ton of hot cross buns lathered in butter, and we can't wait!
Forget bog standard hot cross buns with raisins, because supermarkets have been seriously upping their game over the past few years.
There are many different varieties and flavours on offer, and some are more obscure than others, that's for sure.
READ MORE: We tried posh supermarket crisps from Marks & Spencer, Asda, Aldi, Co-op and two scored top marks
Whether you like an 'extra special' hot cross bun, or something plain and simple, we decided to put them to the test and rate them so you know which are worth trying.
We purchased hot cross buns from Sainsbury's, Tesco, M&S and Aldi and judged them on taste, quality and price to get you the best deal.
Chocolate orange hot cross buns
I've always been a massive fan of hot cross buns, despite not being overly keen on raisins, the taste is just unbeatable.
When I came across the chocolate orange hot cross buns in Sainsbury's, I had to snap them up, and it was a good job I did because there weren't many left on the shelf.
They looked gloriously fresh in the packet, and although there were six for £1.20, I knew they weren't going to last long in my house.
Chocolate orange is basically one of my favourite things, so I was keen to try this as soon as possible, and toasted it as soon as I got home.
I lathered it in butter (as you do) and took a bite into the gooey, warm hot cross bun, and I was in utter heaven.
To my surprise, the hot cross bun had actual chocolate chips in it, as well as raisins, that had melted into the butter to create pure bliss.
It was just the right balance of chocolate orange, enough to leave the cinnamon spice taste of the hot cross bun that we all know and love.
To put it into context, this is genuinely one of the nicest hot cross buns I've ever had, so if you're a fan of chocolate orange, you need to try this.
Where to buy: Sainsbury's
Price: £1.20 for six
Rating: 5/5
Marks and Spencer Luxury Fruited Hot Cross Buns
I must confess, before this review, I'd never tried a hot cross bun before and all I can say is, what the hell was I doing for the past (almost) 31 years?
I ventured into Marks and Spencer in Liverpool's city centre where there was a decent selection of hot cross buns, including some made with Marmite and another pack of cheesy hot cross buns I was really tempted to pop straight in my basket.
I opted for the traditional fruited option but had pretty low expectations because any form of currents or fruit in breaded products is usually a little too high brow for my tastes - after all, you can take the girl out of the small Yorkshire town but you can't take the small Yorkshire town out of the girl.
M&S's hot cross buns were especially packed with juicy sultanas, Vostizza currants, orange and lemon peel, and they're flavoured with a blend of sweet spices. They looked beautiful but I was convinced I wouldn't be a fan.
I was wrong and I urge everyone to try these delectable, moist morsels of pure deliciousness.
Marks and Spencer's hot cross buns are complete perfection. They're chunky and decadent but still light enough so they're not overly filling. They're sweet, but with spices that add a warmth and richness to the flavour.
I know hot cross buns are traditionally an Easter treat but I sincerely hope these are available all year round.
Where to buy: Marks and Spencer, or online via Ocado
Price: £1.75
Rating: 5/5
Tesco Finest Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns
I'm fully on board with hot cross buns being on the shelves several weeks before Easter. It just gives me more chance to enjoy them and there's something so comforting about the taste.
When I went to see what Tesco had to offer, I just had to choose the 'Finest' packet over the supermarket's bog-standard variety. Although they were more expensive and you only get four, they just looked so delicious inside the shiny wrapper.
These hot cross buns are packed with plump orange soaked sultanas, raisins, currents and flame raisins and once I opened the packet, that familiar smell hit me. Heaven.
The buns had a shiny, slightly glazed appearance on the outside and once sliced were nicely baked throughout and filled with plenty of fruit.
At 209 calories each, these are an indulgent treat, especially when slathered with Lurpak and jam, but if you're going to do it, do it properly I say.
They took less than a minute to heat up in the toaster and popped up golden brown and smelling even better. I enjoyed every mouthful from start to finish, savouring the spices and salivating over the buttery dough. Absolutely delicious. I'll be buying another pack before Easter that's for sure.
Where to buy: Tesco online or Tesco stores
Price: £1.50 for four, or currently £1 with Tesco Clubcard
Rating: 5/5
Aldi's Specially Selected Luxury Fruited Hot Cross Buns
I absolutely love hot cross buns and look forward to this time of year so that I can get my hands on them again.
I've tried many hot cross buns over the years, but I have to say Aldi's Specially Selected Luxury Fruited Hot Cross Buns are probably the best I've ever had.
The large buns are hand finished and contain sultanas, Vostizza currants and mixed peel. When I removed a bun from the packet, I felt how soft and sticky it was, showing it was likely to be moist and sweet.
Upon slicing the bun in half, I noticed how evenly distributed the fruit was. I like to lightly toast my hot cross buns and let the butter melt into the soft bread.
I toasted the Aldi bun for around 40 seconds, allowing the top and edges to slightly crisp, but making sure the centre remained soft but warm. I then lathered on some butter and dived in.
The bun was unbelievably yummy, and I got pieces of fruit with every bite. My mouth was instantly filled with the flavours I'd missed so much. Boy, am I happy it's hot cross bun season again!
Where to buy: in Aldi stores
Price: £1.19
Rating: 5/5
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