1 January 2025: Hot Cross Bun fans can get their hands on an early fix of the ever-popular treat at Woolworths New Zealand stores with a range of buns available nationwide and ready to enjoy from today. 

The 2025 Woolworths range includes nine different flavours from the Traditional and Brioche Style, to the Lotus Biscoff and Cadbury Caramilk for the more adventurous. For those that love the flavour of a Hot Cross Bun, but take a hard pass on the fruit, the Fruitless Bun has also returned this year after a stint off the baker’s rotation. 

Michael Whorskey, Woolworths Hot Cross Bun Expert and Bakery Merchandise Manager says the January start for hot cross bun season might be controversial to some but, time and time again, New Zealanders have shown that they simply love the tasty treat - no matter the time of year. 

“In January alone, we’ll sell over 1.4 million individual hot cross buns across the country and another 5.6 million individual hot cross buns in the lead up to Easter. Traditional is always our most popular flavour with around 65% of customers picking that as their favourite, but some of our innovative, new flavours like Lotus Biscoff have certainly found their way into the hearts (and stomachs!) of Kiwis.

“The best part is, when shoppers buy a pack of in-store baked buns, they’re not just getting a sweet treat but they’re also helping Kiwi kids. For every pack we sell, we’re donating 5 cents to support the fantastic work of KidsCan,” adds Michael.

KidsCan supports children in 1100 schools and early childhood centres nationwide with food, shoes, jackets and health items - so they can focus on learning. 

KidsCan founder, Julie Chapman says "We're really pleased that Woolworths are once again supporting KidsCan through the sale of their hot cross buns. Every pack sold means a donation that helps Kiwi kids thrive - meaning you can feel great about picking up a pack, even if it's only January!"

In 2024, Woolworths donated over $85,000 to KidsCan from sales of in-store baked Hot Cross Buns. Customers can pick up Woolworths’ range of Hot Cross Buns in stores and online from today.

The full 2025 lineup of Woolworths Hot Cross buns is: 

• Traditional Hot Cross Buns 

• Brioche Style Chocolate Hot Cross Buns 

• Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

• Fruitless Hot Cross Buns

• Lotus Biscoff Filled Hot Cross Buns

• Cadbury Caramilk Hot Cross Buns

• Free From Gluten Traditional

• Free From Gluten Chocolate

• Free From Gluten Apple and Cinnamon