Thursday, 26 March 2026
The great hot cross bun debate decided: microwave trumps toaster as 55 million set to fly off the shelves
The great hot cross bun debate has finally been settled, with new research showing the microwave has overtaken the toaster as the nation’s preferred way to enjoy the Easter favourite.
Nearly one in three customers (32%) prefer to heat their hot cross buns in the microwave, edging out the toaster (29%), while a quarter admit they can’t wait and eat them fresh straight from the packet[1].
The findings come as Coles prepares to sell more than 55 million hot cross buns this Easter, enough to fill more than a quarter of a million Coles shopping trolleys.
Victoria is leading the charge as Australia’s hot cross bun capital, with more than 10 million buns already sold across the state’s Coles supermarkets, followed by New South Wales (9 million) and Queensland (8.5 million). The below table shows how many buns have already been sold in each state:
|
Victoria |
10 million buns |
|
New South Wales |
9 million buns |
|
Queensland |
8.5 million buns |
|
Western Australia |
5 million buns |
|
South Australia |
3 million buns |
|
Tasmania |
1 million buns |
|
Australian Capital Territory |
650,000 buns |
|
Northern Territory |
300,000 buns |
When it comes to flavour, Australians are sticking with the classics. Two in five customers (40%) continue to choose traditional fruit hot cross buns, followed by Coles choc chip hot cross bun varieties.
To meet demand this Easter, Coles has used more than 568 tonnes of fruit mix across its hot cross bun range.
Coles General Manager for Bakery, Dairy and Frozen, Brad Gorman, said hot cross buns remain one of the most anticipated Easter traditions.
“Hot cross buns are a simple Easter ritual Australians look forward to each year, and our data shows there’s no single way to enjoy them, whether warmed in the microwave, toasted, or eaten straight from the pack,” he said.
“This year we’re offering our biggest hot cross bun range yet, from traditional fruit favourites to chocolate and limited-edition flavours for customers to try.”
“Our bakery team spends months developing the range, and planning for new flavours starts more than a year in advance.”
Coles is also helping customers stretch their grocery budget, with Coles Brand Hot Cross Buns 6-pack available for two for $6 until 7 April.
Customers can choose from a wide range of options this Easter, including traditional fruit, chocolate, gluten free and fruit free varieties, alongside a selection of limited-edition flavours.
-ends-
For media enquiries, please contact
Coles Media Line (03) 9829 5250 or [email protected]
APPENDIX
Top stores per state:
|
State |
Top Coles Stores |
|
VIC |
Coburg North |
|
Waurn Ponds |
|
|
Taylors Hill |
|
|
NSW |
Penrith |
|
Eastgardens |
|
|
Broadway |
|
|
QLD |
Carindale |
|
Caboolture Big Fresh |
|
|
Thornlands |
|
|
WA |
Victoria Park East |
|
Claremont |
|
|
Geraldton |
|
|
SA |
Victor Harbor |
|
Gawler |
|
|
Blackwood |
|
|
TAS |
Glebe Hill |
|
Meadow Mews |
|
|
Sorell |
|
|
ACT |
Belconnen |
|
Gungahlin |
|
|
Wanniassa |
|
|
NT |
Coolalinga |
|
Alice Springs |
|
|
Northlakes |
[1] Coles Circle Survey. Field dates 05-Mar to 11-Mar-2026. n=6223
