Where to buy the very best hot cross buns this Easter

Our panel of judges nibbled their way through hot cross buns from five leading supermarkets in a quest to find the tastiest ones on the market

HOW WE CONDUCTED OUR TASTE TEST

We put out a call to our readers to be part of the panel of tasters.

They came together on a Saturday morning and were presented with hot cross buns from five leading supermarkets - with no branding - on separate plates. The buns were served warm without butter to enable a truer test in terms of texture, fruit, spice and freshness.

Auditor Jade Craig was on hand to monitor the objectivity of the blind-tasting process, from removing the packaging to numbering the products, overseeing the preparation and adding up the score sheets.

THE RESULTS

First place: Pick n Pay 6 traditional hot cross buns

Judges' comments: These buns scored high on appearance, with a shiny glaze and consistent crosses. The panel liked the soft, light texture and good amount of fruit and spices.

Price: R14.99

Second place: Woolworths 6 traditional hot cross buns

Judges' comments: The buns were not glazed but tasters liked their golden-brown colour. They looked and tasted fresh, but some tasters found them a little on the dry side.

Price: R21.99

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Third place: Checkers 6 bakery hot cross buns

Judges' comments: Appearance was good although most tasters felt the buns lacked spice.

Price: R15.99

Fourth place: Food Lovers Market: 6 hot cross buns

Judges' comments: Despite their attractive appearance, these buns were deemed "not very fresh".

Price: R14.99

Fifth place: SPAR 6 hot cross buns

Judges' comments: The buns were described as doughy and as having little or no spice. There was no glaze and most said the amount of fruit was stingy.

Price: R17.99