Dessert inspired, filled, and even sustainably sourced hot cross buns are among the latest innovations unveiled by the nation’s supermarkets for Easter 2026.
Dive in for a closer look at the seasonal line-up:
Asda
Asda has unveiled a trio of indulgent new flavours of its premium own label hot cross buns this year – Cherry Bakewell, Salted Caramel & Chocolate, and Lemon & White Chocolate.
The Cherry Bakewell ones feature red glacé cherry pieces and Morello cherry jam with a subtle almond flavour, while the Salted Caramel & Chocolate is packed with Belgian milk chocolate chunks and British salted caramel. The Lemon & White Chocolate hot cross buns, meanwhile, are packed with Belgian white chocolate chunks and flavoured with zingy Sicilian lemon.
Asda product development manager James Howat said the supermarket wanted to bring “real excitement” to Easter 2026, adding the Exceptional range’s flavours “do exactly that”. “They’re indulgent, fun, and packed with bold tastes our customers are loving,” he adds.
It’s also brought back Triple Chocolate, Apple & Cinnamon, and Extra Fruity variants as part of its Exceptional range, with in-store bakery and free-from standard hot cross buns also available.
Co-op
Cherry Bakewell is also a new flavour in Co-op’s hot cross bun line-up for 2026. The pink-hued buns, part of its premium own-label Irresistible range, contain juicy moistened sultanas, sweet, candied cherries and a fragrant blend of cherry and almond flavours (£2, four-pack).
New to Co-op shelves too this year is the Giant Hot Cross Brioche Bun (£2.30, 400g) which the convenience retailer says is nearly two and a half times bigger than standard hot cross buns. Arguably more of a loaf than a bun, it is described as rich and buttery with raisins, sultanas, citrus peel and sweet spices.
The retailer is also bringing back its popular Irresistible Apple Crumble Hot Cross Buns 4pk (£2, four-pack) and Irresistible Salted Caramel & Chocolate Hot Cross Buns (£2, four-pack).
Lidl
The discounter is looking to appeal to savoury fans this year with new Deluxe Cheesy Hot Cross Buns (£1.49, four-pack) featuring both coloured mature Cheddar and extra mature Cheddar.
These join returning lines under its Deluxe range including Bramley Apple and Cinnamon, St. Clements Orange, and Triple Chocolate flavours as well as the standard recipe.
M&S
Building on the success of its filled hot cross buns in 2025, M&S has unveiled a new one for Easter this time in the form of an indulgent twist on a classic cake. The Red Velvet Filled Hot Cross Buns (£3, four-pack) comprise sweet dough with the iconic red velvet colouring that is spiked with dark chocolate chips and filled with smooth white chocolate for consumers to ‘enjoy straight from the pack like a doughnut’.
The retailer has taken inspiration from another classic dessert for more of its new additions. The Tiramisu Hot Cross Buns (£2.50, four-pack) are described as the ‘Italian dessert in bun form’. The dough is enriched with mascarpone with a coffee kick and packed with Belgian dark chocolate chips.
The final newcomer in 2026 are the Made Without Wheat Gluten Free 4 Apple & Brown Sugar Hot Cross Buns (£2.80, four-pack). They’re elevated with juicy fruit soaked in orange juice, candied Granny Smith apple and a sprinkling of caramelly brown sugar.
M&S has also brought back its Extremely Lemony Curd Filled Hot Cross Buns, the Extremely Chocolatey ones, as well as Cheesy Cheddar & Red Leicester, Granny Smith Apple, Mini Millionaire’s, and Luxury regular-sized and mini hot cross buns for the season.
Sainsbury’s
Classic but indulgent flavours feature in Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference line-up which has a trio of new additions.
First up are the Carrot Cake Hot Cross Buns which are hand crossed and made with a sourdough starter, roasted shredded carrot, white chocolate chunks and pumpkin seeds for added texture (£2, four-pack or £1.50 with Nectar).
Next up are the Rhubarb & Ginger Hot Cross Buns (£2, four-pack or £1.50 with Nectar) which see soft pink dough enriched with tangy rhubarb pieces and warming stem ginger.
Rounding off the trio are the Double Chocolate & Cherry Hot Cross Buns (£2, four-pack or £1.50 with Nectar) made with dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, sweetened dried cranberries and sugar infused sour cherries.
There’s a host of returning flavours as well including Chocolate & Caramel, Triple Berry, Apple & Cinnamon, Lemon & White Chocolate, and Orange Marmalade. The retailer has also ensured variety in its free from offering with Apple & Cinnamon, Chocolate, and Extra Fruity hot cross buns available.
Tesco
Indulgence is the name of the game at Tesco when it comes to hot cross buns as it embraces on-trend and nostalgic flavours, predominantly those with buttery caramel notes and colours.
First up are the Brown Butter & Chai Hot Cross Buns bringing warming spice and deep rich notes of toasted butterscotch to the table. There’s also Salted Caramel & Chocolate Hot Cross Buns which have pieces of salted caramel fudge, toffee and rich dark chocolate chips folded through the dough.
Bringing a pop of colour to the line-up are the Neapolitan Hot Cross Buns. Inspired by the classic ice cream trio, these buns blend pink and white dough with chocolate chips and strawberry fruit pieces for a playful twist.
The retailer has also tapped into the trend for filled buns with Caramelised Biscuit Filled Hot Cross Buns featuring a gooey biscuit centre and crunchy topping. If that wasn’t enough, Tesco has also unveiled a Hot Cross Bun Tear & Share featuring the traditional spiced filling, with a hand iced finish.
Ensuring consumers have an abundance of choice, the UK’s largest supermarket has also brought back a myriad of flavours including Extra Fruity, St Clements, Triple Chocolate, Strawberries & Clotted Cream, Cheddar & Red Leicester, and Chocolate Orange free-from buns.
Waitrose
Waitrose has plumped up its Easter offering with a trio of hot cross buns including fruit-packed ones and those made with sustainably sourced ingredients.
First up are Berry Blush (£2.50, two-pack). Part of its No.1 range, they’re bursting with sultanas, cranberries, blueberries and juicy strawberries, with a hint of creamy white chocolate. Their pretty pink crosses are applied by hand, and they’re made with sourdough for extra flavour.
The Milk Chocolate & Fudge ones (£2, four-pack), meanwhile, are studded with chunks of milk chocolate and fudge cubes that melt when toasted to create sweet, gooey pockets.
Rounding off the trio are the Leckford Fruit & Seed Hot Cross Buns (£2.50, four-pack). Described as a wholesome twist on hot cross buns, they’re made with flour from Waitrose’s regeneratively farmed estate in Hampshire, and are full of sultanas and cranberries, plus a scattering of sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Other returning flavours include St Clements, Apple & Cinnamon, Richly Fruited, and White Chocolate & Lemon alongside standard hot cross buns.
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