HEALTHIER HOT CROSS BUNS PUT TO THE TEST

Fancy a ‘healthier’ hot cross bun this Easter? From low-carb to gluten-free, dietitian Frankie Phillips assesses this year’s offerings and we rate them.

KETO CHEFS

Pack of four, £4.99, ketochefs. co.uk Per 100g: calories, 196; saturated fat, 1.3g; protein, 17g; fibre, 13.3g; sugar, <1g; salt, 0.82g CLAIM: Vegan, ultra-low carb. EXPERT VERDICT: One of these contains 10g of fibre — a third of your daily needs — thanks to linseeds, oat and psyllium husk. There’s also 13g of protein, so these should keep you feeling full for longer. The sugar comes from blueberries and raspberries. It contains xylitol sweetener which can cause wind and bloating.

8/10

M&S PLANT KITCHEN

Pack of four, £1.85, ocado.com Per 100g: calories, 269; saturated fat, 0.6g; protein, 7.1g; fibre, 3.2g; sugar, 22g; salt, 0.35g CLAIM: ‘Plant-based buns that taste just as good.’ EXPERT VERDICT: These have a high percentage of dried fruit at just over a third. You’ll get the equivalent of 3.5tsps of sugar, mostly from fruit, alongside table sugar and sugar syrup. The main fat is hearthealthy rapeseed oil.

6/10

DAYLESFORD ORGANIC RAW BUN BITES

Pack of five, £7.99, daylesford. com Per 100g: calories, 369; saturated fat, 4.6g; protein, 5.3g; fibre, 2.3g; sugar, 26.3g; salt, 0.05g CLAIM: ‘An excellent source of slow-releasing energy.’ EXPERT VERDICT: Ingredients here promote gut microbe diversity. Walnuts are rich in antioxidants, notably ellagic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties. Eat them as part of a meal to lessen potential blood sugar spikes.

8/10

ASDA FREE FROM

Pack of four, £2.25, asda.com Per 100g: calories, 291; saturated fat, 0.7g; protein, 2.1g; fibre, 7g; sugar, 13g; salt, 0.59g CLAIM: Free from gluten, egg and milk. EXPERT VERDICT: One of these will provide 4.2g fibre — 14 per cent of your daily needs. These are lower in saturated fats and sugar than a regular bun, but there’s also less dried fruit and protein. 7/10 MANDY FRANCIS