Deep breaths, everyone: hot cross buns are back on shelves
It's the news that divides the nation every Boxing Day: the arrival of hot cross buns on supermarket shelves.
While some Aussies will be thrilled by the return of the Easter treat today, others will be aghast to see them while the fridge is still full of Christmas leftovers.
Regardless of which camp you're in, one fact remains: people do buy them. Coles alone expects to sell more than 2 million buns before New Year's Day.
Yes, it's that time of year again... Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths
If you need extra incentive, there's a good cause behind Coles' hot cross buns.
Until Thursday January 1, 20 cents from each 6- or 9-pack will be donated to the charity Redkite, which supports Australian families navigating childhood cancer.
This range, including traditional, chocolate, fruit-free and apple and cinnamon buns, as well as mini traditional buns, is selling for $4.50 a pack or two packs for $8.
Coles is also bringing back its Arnott's Iced VoVo inspired hot cross buns and Coles Finest Luxurious Fruit Hot Cross Buns (both $5.50 a pack), as well as gluten-free buns ($4.50 each or two for $8).
READ MORE: 'She said yes': Michael Klim announces engagement
READ MORE: Eugenie and Beatrice join royals for Christmas celebration
READ MORE: MasterChef stars welcome twin girls ahead of Christmas
Until January 1, 20 cents from 6- or 9-packs of Coles hot cross buns will be donated to Redkite. Supplied/Coles
The Redkite range includes choc chip, traditional and fruit-free buns. Supplied/Coles
Woolworths is also getting in on the flavoured fun with its hot cross bun range, out today.
The fan-favourite Cinnabon and Caramelised Biscuit hot cross buns will be returning – both selling for $5.50 a pack – along with the traditional, chocolate chip, fruitless, apple and cinnamon, brioche and gluten-free varieties.
Two more flavours will join Woolies' hot cross bun range next month, including a never-before-seen creation.
Hot cross buns are back at Woolies, too. Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths
The iconic Woolies mudcake has been fused with the hot cross bun: the creation we didn't know we needed. Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths
On January 7, you'll be able to snap up the brand new mudcake hot cross bun – an ode to the iconic Woolies mudcake we all know and love.
On January 28, limited-edition caramel-filled hot cross buns will be added to shelves.
