Christmas is barely behind us, but Woolworths New Zealand is already in Easter mode, with hot cross buns on shelves nationwide from today.

Back by popular demand, the early return follows strong customer demand, with more than 1.7 million in-store baked buns sold last season alone.

Michael Whorskey, Woolworths merchandise manager for bakery, said the early start reflected consistent customer behaviour rather than any shift in tradition.

“Each year our customers tell us it’s never too early for hot cross buns, and the numbers back that up.

“We sold more than 1.7 million in-store baked units last season, with traditional dried fruit still reigning supreme, so we’re responding to what customers clearly want rather than the calendar.”

Continuing their partnership with KidsCan, Woolworths would donate five cents from every pack of Woolworths Own hot cross buns sold.

In 2025, this contribution totalled more than $85,000 supporting KidsCan’s work delivering the necessities like nutritious food and warm clothing for children across Aotearoa.

KidsCan chief executive and founder Dame Julie Chapman said the partnership continued to make a meaningful difference for families and schools nationwide.

“Grabbing a packet of hot cross buns from Woolworths is a great way to support KidsCan and the work we do, getting food, clothing and health products to thousands of kids living in hardship across New Zealand. So, go for it – it’s only January but buy some buns!”

Customers could find Woolworths Own in-store baked hot cross buns on shelves nationwide from today through to Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Alongside classic favourites like traditional dried fruit, chocolate and brioche, leading the line-up is the cinnabon hot cross bun.

A viral hit in Australia last year, this limited-time drop takes its cues from the iconic cinnamon roll, with a cream cheese-style filling and signature cinnamon hit, giving the seasonal staple a sweet new twist.

More speciality flavours will land as the season rolls on, including a mud cake-inspired bun and a Cadbury Caramello option.

Woolworths’ full 2026 hot cross bun line-up includes: traditional, brioche style chocolate, chocolate, fruitless, cinnabon, caramelised biscuit filled, Cadbury Caramilk, mud cake-inspired, Cadbury Caramello, plus the free from gluten range in traditional, chocolate, and apple and cinnamon.

-Content supplied by Woolworths NZ