Let me tell you about the time I volunteered to stuff my face with the strangest Easter-themed foods our supermarkets could dream up. My editor texted me at 9pm on a Tuesday: "How do you feel about hot cross bun burgers?" My response: "Is this a joke or an assignment?" Turns out, it was both.
The things I do for journalism.
When Meat Meets Cinnamon (It Actually Works?)
First up was Heck's Hot Cross Bun Burger, which costs £3.50 for two. I mean... who even thinks of these combinations? Some product developer was definitely three glasses of wine deep when they pitched this one.
I was fully prepared to hate these. The cinnamon smell filled my kitchen while they sizzled away for about 15 minutes, and my boyfriend walked in saying "What teh hell are you cooking?" I went full commitment mode and served mine in an actual hot cross bun rather than a regular burger bun.
God. I hate to admit it, but it was... good? Like, genuinely tasty. The sweetness from the raisins and the warmth from the spices somehow enhanced the pork instead of fighting it. I'm as shocked as you are. 5/5 and I feel slightly betrayed by my own taste buds.
Waitrose's £15 Chocolate Croissant That's Not Actually a Croissant
Next up was this croissant-shaped chocolate egg from Waitrose that set me back fifteen quid. FIFTEEN. My bank account weeps.
The box is misleading - the actual chocolate is much lighter in color than shown. It's made from blonde chocolate (which, if you've never had it, is caramelized white chocolate with this buttery, almost toasty flavor).
There are little wafer pieces mixed throughout that give it a nice crunch and somewhat justify the "croissant" name, though let's be honest... this is just a fancy-shaped egg. But damn, it's good. Not £15 good, but I'd rate it 4/5 for the novelty and taste combo.
Tesco's Carrot Cheesecakes: A Visual Lie
These looked adorable. Small, carrot-shaped cheesecakes that would make any Easter table look Pinterest-worthy.
And then I tasted one.
Have you ever had something that looked so promising but delivered such disappointment that you had to check if your taste buds were broken? The allegedly "chocolate orange" flavor tasted like someone had dissolved a cheap air freshener in milk. The green "carrot top" ganache was weirdly waxy, and the base was so dry it practically absorbed all moisture from my mouth.
I paid £3.50 for these. In 2018 I spent $4K on emergency dental work and somehow this feels like the bigger ripoff. 1/5, would not recommend even to people I dislike.
Sainsbury's Hot Cross Bun... Custard Creams?
For just 65p, these seemed like a low-risk experiment. The flavor was actually decent - subtle cinnamon notes that reminded me of hot cross buns without being overpowering.
But where's the cream filling? Seriously, these biscuits were dryer than my conversation with the in-laws. They needed about twice the filling to justify the "cream" part of custard cream.
I dunno... they're fine with tea, I guess? Nothing I'd actively seek out again. 2/5, and that's being generous because they're cheap.
The Bunettone Experiment
Waitrose's Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Bunettone (panettone + hot cross bun = bunettone, get it?) was a surprise hit at £8.
The texture was drier than modern panettones, but in a good way - more authentic, less cake-like. It had this perfect balance of sultanas adn candied orange peel that made each bite interesting. They include a little stencil so you can dust the top with icing sugar yourself.
Word of warning though - don't attempt the stencil after two glasses of wine like I did. My kitchen looked like a crime scene where the victim was a bag of flour. The cleanup was... extensive.
Worth it though. 5/5, would make a mess again.
M&S and Their Dippy Egg Illusion
M&S's Dippy Egg Filled Hot Cross Buns (£3.50 for six) mess with your mind. They're cocoa buns with white and yellow filling designed to look like you're biting into an actual dippy egg.
My brain kept expecting savory but getting sweet, which was a weird sensation. The bun part was surprisingly good - moist and had that proper hot cross bun spice flavor despite being chocolate.
I left these out on the counter, and my kids demolished four before I could stop them. Now they're bouncing off the walls with 255 calories and 16.1g of sugar per bun coursing through their little bodies. Poor babysitter.
I'd give these a solid 3/5 - novelty factor is high, but they're basically sugar bombs.
Was Any of This Necessary?
Listen. None of these products needed to exist. But I'm oddly glad they do. The hot cross bun burger and the bunettone were genuine discoveries I wouldn't have tried otherwise.
Sometimes food gimmicks are just that - gimmicks. But occasionally, they lead to something unexpectedly delicious. Just maybe avoid those carrot cheesecakes unless you hate your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a budget deficit?
A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
What are credit scores and why are they important?
Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
What is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
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The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
Statistics
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
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How To Save for Retirement Effectively
Saving for retirement begins with setting clear goals regarding when you want to retire and how much money you will need. Start by contributing to employer-sponsored retirement plans like a 401(k), especially if your employer offers matching contributions. If self-employed or your employer does not provide a plan, consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Aim to save at least 15% of your income annually, including employer contributions. Regularly review and adjust your contributions as your income changes. Diversify your investments within your retirement accounts to reduce risk and maximize potential returns over time.
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