BUN-BELIEVABLE: Asda launches new range of Hot Cross Buns for Easter, including zesty Orange Marmalade
· Asda’s 2024 range includes 10 different varieties of Hot Cross Buns, including a new twist on the seasonal classic – Orange Marmalade flavour
· The retailer predicts to sell 5.7 million buns this Easter, as Brits continue to go wild for the cult Easter treat
· Asda sold 152 Hot Cross Buns a minute during Easter 2023, with Havant, Hampshire, being the UK’s hot-spot with 45,000 buns sold in total
· Prices start at just £1.15 for a pack of six and the full range is available in-store and online now
As Easter fast approaches, Asda announces its 2024 line-up of everyone’s favourite Easter treat: Hot Cross Buns. With prices starting at just 19p per bun, whether it’s familiar fruity favourites or brand-new flavour innovations, there’s something for every-bun this Easter.
Brand-new for 2024, Asda’s Extra Special 4 Orange Marmalade Hot Cross Buns (£1.40 for a pack of 4) are deliciously sweet and tangy, with one customer review describing them as “outstanding”. These buns are filled to bursting with orange-soaked sultanas, raisins, candied orange peel and Seville orange marmalade, and will set tastebuds dancing with their symphony of citrus and spice.
Zoe Czelecki, Product Developer at Asda, comments on the flavour innovation: “We are so excited to introduce this year’s range of Hot Cross Buns for Easter, including our brand-new Orange Marmalade flavour. We were inspired to create this new zesty product because insight showed that during Easter, customers were often buying Hot Cross Buns and Marmalade together - so we thought we would combine the two!
“The Orange Marmalade buns are not too different from a traditional Hot Cross Bun with vine fruits (so traditionalists will still love it), but Seville Orange Marmalade and candied orange peel elevate the flavour and give a citrusy alternative for those wanting to try something slightly different.
“We haven’t seen any others like this, and we’re excited for our customers to try an elevated version of the more traditional St Clements Hot Cross Bun. We are expecting to sell just short of 100,00 packs throughout Easter – as of mid-February we have sold just over 25,000 packs, meaning customers are already loving the new addition to the range.”
Described by one happy shopper as “so lemony and fresh”, the ever-popular Extra Special 4 Lemon & White Chocolate Buns (£1.40 for a pack of four) are also making a return, packed with creamy Belgian white chocolate chunks, zesty candied lemon peel and a zingy Sicilian lemon oil.
For a bitesize treat, Asda’s Extra Special 9 Chocolate & Orange Mini Hot Cross Buns (£1.40 for a pack of 9) are packed with rich Belgian dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate and white chocolate chunks, creating a wonderfully soft bite with an intense, chocolatey flavour.
Another highlight for chocolate lovers, Asda’s Extra Special 4 Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Buns (£1.40 for a pack of 4) are filled with rich Belgian dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate chunks. Perfect toasted and topped with lashings of butter to put a spring in shoppers’ step this Easter.
For fans of a British classic, the Sticky Toffee Pudding Hot Cross Buns (£1) sees a combination of the much-loved Easter sweet treat and one of the UK’s favourite puddings – what’s not to love? Available from Asda’s in-store bakery as a pack of two, these are sure to be a crowd-pleaser this Easter.
Hot Cross Bun traditionalists need not fear, as Asda has crafted a selection that caters to the purists, including the beloved Asda Extra Special Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns (£1.40 for a pack of four). Infused with a delightful blend of buttery richness and subtle spices, each bun is meticulously crafted with luscious vine fruits and Vostizza currants— and what’s more, these buns are approved by The Good Housekeeping Institute.
The new launches form part of a 10-product strong range, including favourites such as The Bakery at Asda Hot Cross Buns (£1.50 for a pack of four) and The Bakery at Asda Large Hot Cross Buns (£1.50 for a pack of four), which are available all year round.
The retailer is also stocking Free-From options for those who are gluten, egg and milk-free, ensuring no customer is left behind. For fans of a classic, there’s the Vegan-Society-approved Asda Free From Hot Cross Buns (£1 for a pack of four), recognised as the Best Budget Hot Cross Buns by Good Housekeeping Insitute.
Or, for those partial to apple pie, the Asda Free From Apple & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns (£2.25 for a pack of 4) are a great choice.
Alternatively, the Asda Free From Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns (£2.25 for a pack of four) and Asda Free From Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns (£2.25 for a pack of four) offer a tempting twist on the traditional bun.
This year, the retailer is predicting to sell 5.7 million Hot Cross Buns in the run-up to Easter, and with three new flavours and a host of returning favourites, it’s not hard to see why.
Proving the traditional staple remains as popular as ever, Asda sold 152 hot cross buns a minute last year*. Havant, in Hampshire, was named the Hot Cross Bun capital of the UK in 2023, selling a total of 45,000 buns in the lead-up to Easter - enough for 2 hot cross buns per resident!
Shoppers can pick up Asda’s Hot Cross Bun range online and in-store now.