Woolworths and Coles spark fury over major hot cross buns announcement – just one day after Christmas

Australian supermarkets have already stocked their shelves with hot cross buns – and shoppers are infuriated at the sight.

While some are thrilled to get an early taste of the spiced delight, many aren’t holding back their outrage, slamming the move as ‘too soon’ and accusing retailers of rushing through the holidays.

The sight of the sweet, fruit-filled buns nestled next to leftover Christmas puddings has sparked fierce debate online, with many questioning whether Boxing Day is too early to start thinking about Easter.

Shoppers took to social media in droves to voice their frustration, with many branding the early appearance of hot cross buns as ‘ridiculous’.

‘Can we just enjoy Christmas for a bit longer before being bombarded with Easter?’ one annoyed shopper wrote on Facebook.

Another fumed, ‘It’s Boxing Day, and I’m already seeing hot cross buns. What’s next? Christmas trees in July?’

A third added, ‘I love a hot cross bun, but this is getting out of hand. Let us breathe!’ 

‘No wonder life feels it’s going too quick,’ a mum wrote. ‘We don’t even get to finish Christmas, and Easter comes along.’

The sight of the sweet, fruit-filled buns nestled next to leftover Christmas puddings has sparked fierce debate online

Up to 1.8million hot cross buns are expected to be sold in just the first week, however Aussies remain divided over the treat being sold on Boxing Day. 

For those interested in the Easter goodies, Woolworths is bringing back its popular limited edition fairy bread hot cross buns ($5.50) with a new recipe – and it still comes with a packet of sprinkles to allow customers to add as many as they like.

And the Aussie-inspired flavours don’t stop there.

Coles is also reviving its iconic Vegemite and cheese hot cross buns and the indulgent Arnott’s Iced Vovo-inspired buns, both special edition packs priced at $5.50.

Woolies shoppers with a sweet tooth are sure to bee-line for returning favourites brioche Cadbury chocolate ($4.50) and Cadbury Caramilk hot cross buns.

Most other Aussie supermarkets, including IGA and Aldi, also offer customers a range of traditional flavours, including fruit buns.

For those who love a traditional Easter treat but want to indulge in something a little more decadent, Woolies has unveiled a luxurious twist with a four-pack of richly fruited hot cross buns – bursting with vine fruits, native cinnamon myrtle, tangy cranberries, and zesty candied orange peel.

Other popular flavours include apple and cinnamon and fruit-free plain buns.

People are excited about the Vegemite and cheese version of hot cross buns

Woolies shoppers with a sweet tooth are sure to bee-line for returning favourites brioche Cadbury chocolate ($4.50) and Cadbury Caramilk hot cross buns

A mum spotted hot cross buns on sale in Queensland on 20 December – five days before Christmas.

‘Old made hasn’t even been born yet,’ a man joked.

‘Already! We haven’t even had Christmas yet. I swear they get earlier and earlier each year,’ another wrote.

But not everyone is as incensed.

‘I can’t wait for the Coles Vegemite and cheese hot cross buns to come back. They are awesome,’ a mum raved.

‘I don’t care if it’s Boxing Day, I’m running to the store. Time to stock up and enjoy them with a cup of tea,’ a woman wrote.

‘Hot cross buns are a year-round staple,’ another said.

Easter will be celebrated in Australia on 20 April, 2025.