Aldi has confirmed that free period products are available in store toilets across the UK throughout the summer holidays, addressing what it calls a 'very real issue' of period poverty. The supermarket chain, which competes with Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Asda, issued the reminder as schools break for the summer.
Research Highlights Widespread Struggle
Aldi-commissioned research revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) of secondary school-aged girls have struggled to afford or access period products. Almost half (49%) said they had resorted to unsafe alternatives such as toilet roll or tissue, while 29% had worn products for longer than recommended. More than a quarter (26%) reported missing school activities as a result.
Over 1.4 Million Products Provided
Since the initiative launched in March 2025, Aldi has provided more than 1.4 million free period products. Customers and colleagues can take what they need from in-store toilets without any questions asked. The scheme aims to make essential items like tampons and pads more accessible to those who need them.
Concern Over Holiday Gap
Aldi issued the message amid fears that students may have reduced access to free period products during the school holidays. Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, stated: 'Access to period products should be a basic right, not a privilege. Period poverty remains a very real issue for many people across the UK, which is why we’ve made free period products available in all our store toilets for customers and colleagues. As schools and colleges close for the holidays, some students may lose access to the free products they rely on. We want people to know they can visit their local Aldi and take what they need, no questions asked.'
Call for Wider Retailer Support
Ashfield added: 'We’d also encourage other retailers to help make free period products more widely available, particularly during the school holidays.' Tina Leslie MBE, Founder of Freedom4Girls, praised Aldi's commitment: 'Period poverty remains a huge issue in the UK, and we’re encouraged to see Aldi’s continued commitment to tackling it. We want to see more public places, including other retailers, step up and follow Aldi’s lead to help more people in need.'
