Hot cross buns
Marks and Spencer Luxury Hot Cross Buns €1.89 for four
M&S has a whole host of hot cross buns including wholemeal mini, normal and luxury. Pricewatch went for the high-end bun and we were not disappointed. These are very good indeed and manage to simultaneously have a rich buttery texture and a light airiness that is most appealing. The cross slathered across the top is very thick and quite chewy, and the fruit – which comes from the finest vineyards in Turkey and Greece, M&S tells us on the front of the packaging, is very juicy. These were on a buy-two-for-€3 deal last week which made them very good value for money, but even at the full price of €1.89 for a single pack, they are definitely worth buying.
Verdict:Cross worth bearing
Star rating: ****
Baker’s Basket from Dunnes Stores €1.50 for four
This own-brand option was the most densely packed hot cross bun we tried, and while that was no bad thing, it did make it kind of chewy. With the extra two free, they are good value but still not the cheapest. They have the colour of brown bread and what seems like a lot of mixed peel. When it comes to the fruit, Dunnes – or whoever makes them on its behalf – has gone easier. In some of the other buns, the cross was irrelevant; here, it plays a starring role and is thick and chewy and rather pleasant.
Verdict:Chewy
Star rating: ***
Stafford’s €2.89 for six
This is not unlike the Dunnes bun in terms of appearance, but has a lighter, more airy texture that we liked. We were also impressed by the hefty cinnamon kick we got, and we thought the fruit was nice and juicy – and there was plenty of it too. This brand is not tied to a single supermarket chain so you will be able to source it more easily.
Verdict:A fine bun
Star rating: ***
Cuisine de France €1.80 for four
These buns were very fresh, most likely because they had been baked – partially at any rate – in the store moments before we happened upon them. While their rivals are very bready, these also stand apart as a result of of their cake-like nature, which is probably down to the sweet and sticky glaze that has been lathered all over the top. That does make them very sweet, which might appeal to some tastes, but it left us somewhat unimpressed. We’d be overstating things to say these had a hard shell, but they were distinctly crunchy on the outside. They are also the most widely available bun this week and can be tracked down in supermarkets big and small.
Verdict: A sweet tooth's delight
Star rating: ****
Ballymore Crust from Aldi 69 cent for four
These are certainly very cheap and cost more than a euro less than the upmarket MS buns. While they finish on top in the price stakes, when it comes to flavour, they are found wanting. There is not a whole lot of fruit in the mix, and what is there does not taste of a whole lot. The bread is a little on the tasteless side too, although when smeared with good butter, this absence of flavours is easier to forgive. They are nice and light and, at this price, very good value for money.
Verdict:Nice and cheap
Star rating: ***
