Social media bunfight sparked by supermarkets selling Easter treats - in January

We may still only just be recovering from our Christmas food comas, but supermarkets are already looking to the next big holiday, with hot cross buns seen on shelves less than a week after Christmas.

Coles was the first in the game, announcing that they would start stocking the doughy treats from December 28. However, customers on Twitter reported seeing them in stores as early as Boxing Day.

Coles Category Manager Freddie Hancock said many customers now expect to be able to munch down on a hot cross bun as soon as they polish off their Christmas leftovers.

According to a Coles spokesperson "Coles' hot cross buns have been very popular with customers since we rolled them out nationally on December 28, showing that for many people it's never too early to enjoy the delicious bakery treats."

Woolworths quickly followed suit, announcing on Facebook yesterday that they'd started stocking the treats.

They've also released a limited-edition hot cross bun flavoured ice cream, made with raisins, a hot cross bun flavour ripple and Australian cream.

Woolworths Head Baker, Ben Thompson said: "It's clear that many of our customers love getting their hands on hot cross buns as soon as they can."

"There's no doubt of their ever-growing popularity and we're taking it up a notch this year with the introduction of our new Woolworths Hot Cross Bun Flavoured Ice Cream. It's perfect for summer, perfect for sharing and is a perfect accompaniment when enjoyed with any of our traditional hot cross buns."

Woolworths sold more than 10 million hot cross buns last January alone.The supermarket chain sold 72 million buns in the months leading up to Easter.

Aldi caused a stir when it suggested serving hot cross buns with bacon in its latest catalogue released on January 1st. Aldi will be selling hot cross buns from January 9th, a spokesperson for the brand said.