The VERY unexpected $4.49 item Aldi shoppers can't get enough of: 'Worth every cent'
A twist on a popular Easter treat has sparked spirited discussion among Aldi Australia shoppers.Like all the major supermarkets at this time of year, Aldi has released a seasonal range of Hot Cross Buns, with offerings spanning from classics like Traditional Hot Cross Buns to crowd-pleasers like Chocolate Chip.But this year, Aldi has also launched a brand new Carrot Cake Inspired Hot Cross Bun, sold in a four pack for $4.49 - and it's divided Aussies online.A customer recently shared a picture of the hybrid Easter treat to an online forum, explaining in a post that they were excited to try the new carrot cake twist on a hot cross bun.'I mean I love both of these separately but haven't tried these yet, are they any good?' the shopper asked.The special edition hot cross bun only launched in Aldi stores on February 25, yet several commenters confirmed they'd already tried it - and loved it.'Definitely worth it,' affirmed one reply. 'Not overly powerful carrot cake flavour but enough and sweet/savoury.''I love those! The best!' enthused another. An Aldi shopper explained that they were keen to try the newly launched Carrot Cake Inspired Hot Cross Bun, sold in a four pack for $4.49 Last year, Aldi's special release in Banoffee Inspired Hot Cross Buns ($4.49) was hugely popular. Shoppers wondered if the new carrot cake flavour would give last year's buns a run for their moneyAldi's new Carrot Cake Inspired Hot Cross Bun is described as 'a delightful Easter special featuring delicious white choc chips, of course some carrots, and spices,' according to a press release.'It's the perfect blend of classic flavours with a good different twist, ready to become your new go-to festive favourite this Easter.'Last year's special new Easter bun release at Aldi was Banoffee Inspired Hot Cross Buns ($4.49) - and they too have returned in 2026. However, one person who was a huge fan of last year's special variety claimed this year's new flavour rated highly.'Tried them today and they were bomb! Banoffee are still my favourite but these are a close second now,' they said.Another hot cross bun enthusiast explained that they love to 'try a lot of the types each year' - and that this carrot cake version ranked in their top three new varieties of the season, finishing third behind Woolworths' Indulgent Hot Cross Buns Filled With Biscoff ($5.50) and Indulgent Hot Cross Buns With Cadbury Caramilk Chips ($4).Others had spotted the new variety and were already planning to pick one up next time they were in Aldi.'Can't wait to try this one,' read one reply.'I'm down for this… looks good,' agreed a second. Like all the major supermarkets at this time of year, Aldi offers a range of hot cross bun flavour varieties, including Indulgent Apple & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns ($3.99) and decadent Rocky Road Hot Cross Buns ($4.49)However, not everyone felt that the combination of a hot cross bun with a carrot cake was a match made in heaven.'I considered them, but then I thought, "Chocolate chips? In carrot cake?" and bought apple cinnamon instead,' read one reply to the Reddit discussion.'Carrot buns sounded excellent until I read they had white chocolate,' agreed another.One person even offered an amusing theory on how the all supermarket chains devised such bizarre flavour combinations.'There is someone at the end of the production line at the hot cross bun factory that keeps dropping random ingredients in them. In my entire life I have never seen more than either normal or fruitless varieties.'Although many were intrigued (and a few put off) by the new flavour, others used the Reddit discussion post as an opportunity to champion some of the other non-traditional hot cross bun flavours currently stocked at Aldi this Easter season.'The apple and cinnamon ones are always sooo good,' said one customer of the Indulgent Apple & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns ($3.99).Last year's favourite in the Indulgent Banoffee Inspired Hot Cross Buns ($4.49) were also cited repeatedly as a favourite. The recent online post prompted discussion about the standout non-traditional hot cross bun flavours available this year at other major supermarkets'The Aldi Banoffee ones are amazing! We had 'em for breakfast this morning, delicious with coffee,' suggested one shopper.The topic also prompted others to single out standout non-traditional hot cross bun flavours available this year at other major supermarkets.At Woolworths, Indulgent Mudcake Filled Hot Cross Buns ($5.50) were heralded as 'the G.O.A.T', while their new Indulgent Cinnabon Filled Hot Cross Buns ($5.50) also received an honourable mention.Meanwhile, at Coles, some of the highlighted flavours included Arnott's Mint Slice Inspired Hot Cross Buns ($5.50) and Matcha and Raspberry Inspired Hot Cross Buns ($5.50).But one variety that divided Easter treat lovers was the Coles Easter Doritos Cheesy Jalapeno Hot Cross Buns ($5.50).'They don't taste like any of the things you'd expect - they're not cheesy, they don't taste like jalapeños and they don't taste like hot cross buns,' read one unimpressed person who'd tried it.However, another person disagreed - arguing that they were 'bloody good' and recommended enjoying them 'warm with butter'.
