Hot-cross buns now come with a health warning

A SEASONAL food treat could become a bit hot to handle coming this year with a health warning describing it as fuel for New Zealand's ever-growing obesity epidemic.
Hot-cross buns are already available in supermarkets and bakeries almost a month before Easter, and Diabetes New Zealand says one bun is equivalent to two to three slices of bread and their advice is to chose a smaller bun or limit intake to just half a bun.
But the real problem appears to be that it's not what we're eating but it's how we eat and Breadcraft Wairarapa manager Peter Rewi said yesterday that people needed to remember hot-cross buns were a treat, not a meal ? an indulgence food and not something to eat a lot of.
"Obviously it won't do you any good if you eat three packets along a pound of butter."
Mr Rewi said the energy in one hot-cross bun is roughly equivalent to 1? slices of toast bread, and are naturally higher in sugar content than white or whole grain bread.
But he said eaten as a treat they are not as high in sugar content as many other everyday foods, such as muesli and snack bars, biscuits or even many breakfast cereals which are available year-round.
The buns are an extremely popular Easter treat and would not contribute to obesity to the same degree that Easter Eggs would, and eaten sensibly did not provide any more sugar than any other sweet bun or occasional treat.
"Sensible nutrition along with regular exercise is a far greater long-term answer to obesity than printing warnings on everything we eat."
Mr Rewi said Breadcraft is a strong supporter or sport and recreation in the community and the company "strongly encouraged" sensible eating coupled with regular exercise and a good balanced diet.
"A good serving of the buns around Easter will provide energy and enjoyment and could be followed with a brisk walk or taking the kids to the park for a game of cricket or football rather than watching a DVD or playing on a PC," he said.
Most of the buns in bakeries are made using more traditional recipes, including sultanas and spices, but market demand means supermarkets tend to add more sugar, preservatives and sometimes chocolate chips, mostly to cater for children.
While a hot-cross bun from a bakery could sell for about $1.50 each, a six-pack on supermarket shelves generally sold for $2.29, while an eight-pack was usually priced for $2.49.
Packets offering two extra buns for free have also become a drawcard.