Australian supermarkets have already stocked their shelves with hot cross buns – and shoppers are furious at the sight.
While some are happy to get an early taste of the spicy delight, many can’t contain their outrage. They label the measure as ‘too early’ and accuse retailers of rushing through the holidays.
The sight of the sweet, fruit-filled pastries nestled next to leftover Christmas puddings has sparked fierce debate online, with many wondering whether Boxing Day is too early to start thinking about Easter.
Shoppers took to social media in droves to express their frustration, with many labeling the early appearance of hot cross buns as ‘ridiculous’.
‘Can we enjoy Christmas for a while before we are swamped with Easter?’ wrote one irritated shopper on Facebook.
Another said: ‘It’s Boxing Day and I can already see 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’s breathe!’
“No wonder life moves too fast,” one mother wrote. “We don’t even finish Christmas, and then Easter comes along.”
Australian supermarkets have already stocked their shelves with hot cross buns – and shoppers are furious at the sight
The sight of the sweet, fruit-filled rolls next to leftover Christmas pudding has sparked heated debate online
As many as 1.8 million hot cross buns are expected to be sold in the first week, but Aussies remain divided over the treat sold on Boxing Day.
For those interested in Easter treats, Woolworths is bringing back its popular limited edition hot cross buns ($5.50) with a new recipe – and they still come with a packet of sprinkles so customers can add as many as they like.
And the Aussie-inspired flavors don’t stop there.
Coles is also reviving its iconic Vegemite and Cheese Hot Cross Buns and the delicious Arnott’s Iced Vovo-inspired buns, both special edition packs for $5.50.
Woolies shoppers with a sweet tooth are sure to be queuing up to return favorites brioche Cadbury chocolate ($4.50) and Cadbury Caramilk hot cross buns.
Most other Australian supermarkets, including IGA and Aldi, also offer customers a range of traditional flavors including fruit rolls.
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 pack of four richly fruity hot cross buns – packed with grape fruit, native cinnamon myrtle, zesty cranberries and zesty candied orange peel.
Other popular flavors include apple cinnamon and fruit-free plain rolls.
People are raving about the Vegemite and cheese version of hot cross buns
Woolies shoppers with a sweet tooth are sure to be lining up to return favorites brioche Cadbury chocolate ($4.50) and Cadbury Caramilk hot cross buns
A mother spotted hot cross buns on sale in Queensland on December 20, five days before Christmas.
“Old make hasn’t even been born yet,” one man joked.
‘Al! We haven’t even had Christmas yet. I swear they get earlier and earlier every year,” wrote another.
But not everyone is so outraged.
‘I can’t wait for the Coles Vegemite and cheese hot cross buns to come back. They are amazing,” one mother raved.
‘I don’t care if it’s Boxing Day, I’ll run to the shop. Time to stock up and enjoy it with a cup of tea,” one woman wrote.
“Hot cross buns are a year-round staple,” said another.
Easter is celebrated in Australia on April 20, 2025.