Coles is giving Aussies permission to eat hot cross buns before the Christmas decorations have even come down — and this year, there’s a powerful reason to do it.
From Boxing Day, Coles’ hot cross buns are officially back on shelves nationwide, with 20 cents from every six or nine pack sold donated to Redkite, supporting families facing childhood cancer during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
It’s a move that turns a much-loved post-Christmas ritual into meaningful support, with more than two million hot cross buns expected to be sold before New Year’s Day alone. Whether shoppers lean towards classic fruit, chocolate, fruit-free, or apple and cinnamon, every pack sold contributes to vital family services.
Available in-store and online, Coles’ standard hot cross bun range is priced at $4.50 per pack or two packs for $8.00, with the 20-cent donation running until Thursday 1 January 2026.
Over the past decade, Coles customers and team members have raised more than $55 million for Redkite, helping families navigate the emotional, financial, and practical realities that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis. One of those families is Dakoda’s.
Just days before her fourth birthday, Dakoda was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a fast-growing blood and bone marrow cancer. After years of intensive treatment and hospital stays, the now nine-year-old is in remission and enjoying a normal childhood, supported by ongoing maintenance care.
Dakoda’s mum Michelle said Redkite’s support made an enormous difference during their hardest moments.
“As a nurse, I thought I was prepared for anything, but nothing prepares you for your own child’s cancer diagnosis and Redkite has been a constant support, letting us focus on Dakoda’s health without worrying about everything else,” she said.
“The impact of cancer is like a full-time job and it’s a huge comfort to know Coles and its customers are supporting families like ours. It means so much and reminds us we aren’t facing this alone.”
Coles General Manager Commercial, Bakery, Dairy & Frozen, Brad Gorman said the early return of hot cross buns reflects just how much Aussies have embraced the tradition.
“Aussies have made hot cross buns a post-Christmas favourite and we’re proud to turn that tradition into meaningful support for families like Dakoda’s, who need to navigate the reality of childhood cancer,” he said.
“For over a decade, Coles’ partnership with Redkite has helped thousands of families find their footing during a cancer diagnosis and it’s something our team is genuinely passionate about.”
From the moment of diagnosis, Redkite supports families with practical resources such as the Red Bag of essentials, financial relief for everyday costs, and counselling services for children and parents alike.
Redkite Chief Executive Officer Monique Keighery said the long-standing partnership with Coles continues to make a real impact nationwide.
“For the past 12 years, Coles has been a loyal and generous partner, standing beside Redkite and the families who need us most,” she said.
“The donation per pack on Coles Hot Cross Buns makes a meaningful difference… ensuring they feel supported and are not alone.”
For those keen to mix things up, Coles is also bringing back the much-loved Arnott’s Iced VoVo hot cross buns, alongside the indulgent Coles Finest range. Both specialty options are available in-store from today, priced at $5.50 for a four-pack.
COLES BRAND HOT CROSS BUNS — 20 CENTS FROM EACH SALE DONATED TO REDKITE FROM 26 DECEMBER 2025 UNTIL 1 JANUARY 2026:
ProductPriceColes Traditional Hot Cross Bun 6pk$4.50 each or 2 for $8Coles Chocolate Hot Cross Buns 6pk$4.50 each or 2 for $8Coles Fruit Free Hot Cross Buns 6pk$4.50 each or 2 for $8Coles Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns 6pk$4.50 each or 2 for $8Coles Traditional Mini Fruit Hot Cross Buns 9pk$4.50 each or 2 for $8
ADDITIONAL COLES BRAND HOT CROSS BUNS AVAILABLE FROM 26 DECEMBER
ProductPriceColes Arnott’s Iced VoVo Inspired Hot Cross Buns 4pk$5.50 eachColes Finest Luxurious Fruit Hot Cross Buns 4pk$5.50 eachColes Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns 3pk$4.50 each or 2 for $8
For more info or to buy hot cross buns online, head to coles.com.au
