Certain customers can now access two essential products for free without any restrictions at all Aldi stores throughout the United Kingdom. This initiative is part of Aldi’s ongoing effort to combat period poverty and provide support to those in need.
Today, on March 18, marks the one-year anniversary since Aldi began offering complimentary period pads and tampons in all store restrooms nationwide. The supermarket has been dedicated to addressing period poverty by ensuring that period products are readily available as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
Starting in March 2025, Aldi started providing free pads and tampons in both store and office restrooms. By the end of May 2025, approximately 70% of Aldi’s 1,050 stores in the UK were equipped with these products.
In a statement reflecting on the past year and the company’s initiative, a spokesperson emphasized the importance of addressing period poverty and the challenges faced by many individuals in affording period products. The spokesperson highlighted the impact of period poverty on individuals’ daily lives, such as resorting to substitutes like toilet paper or experiencing embarrassment and exclusion from essential activities.
Aldi expressed pride in collaborating with charitable organizations like Bloody Good Period and Freedom4Girls, contributing one million period products to combat period poverty.
According to a 2025 poll by ActionAid, the number of individuals struggling to afford period products in the UK has significantly increased, with over 2.8 million people estimated to be affected by period poverty, representing a million more individuals compared to the previous year.
A spokesperson from ActionAid noted the financial challenges faced by women and individuals who menstruate, forcing them to make tough choices between purchasing essential items. The poll revealed that those impacted by period poverty often prioritize other basic necessities over period products.
Individuals aged 18-24 were identified as the most affected group in terms of struggling to afford period products, with over a quarter reporting difficulties in obtaining them.
Aldi highlighted that the average person typically spends £120 annually on basic period products, excluding additional expenses like pain relief or specialized clothing.
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