Aldi has become the first UK supermarket to provide free period products to its in-store toilets, after research from the retailer reveals that one in three people who menstruate are unable to afford them.

Customers will be able to take what they need from the toilets, with the products rolled out this week in 70 per cent of its facilities.

The full rollout of to all of Aldi’s toilets is to be completed by the end of May, according to the discount chain.

It comes as research from the retailer found one in three of those who menstruate admitted they were unable to afford period products, while 15 per cent said this was “very often” or “always” the case.

The research found 30 per cent were having to choose between period products and other everyday essentials, such as food and clothing or paying household bills.

Additionally, the grocer has partnered with menstrual equity charity Bloody Good Period to donate more than one million period products to support the charity’s battle against period poverty.

Aldi UK chief commercial officer Julie Ashfield, said: “We never want our customers to have to choose between buying the period products they need and feeding themselves or their families.

“For millions of people across the country, having access to period products is a basic and essential need, and we believe the provision of these in public toilets is as vital as toilet paper and soap.

“We are proud to announce our toilets will have pads and tampons freely available for anyone who needs them.”

She added: “As well as providing for our customers, we are delighted to be partnering with leading charity, Bloody Good Period, who are doing ground-breaking work in the menstrual equity space.

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“Our donation of one million period products to Bloody Good Period will help to ensure that people are getting the products they need every month.”

Clara Amfo, broadcaster and Bloody Good Period ambassador, championed the move from Aldi, saying that menstrual care is a “basic human right”.

“As a society, we need to ensure that we are making period products accessible and affordable for all,” she said.

“Aldi partnering with Bloody Good Period to raise awareness of period poverty and providing free products in their store toilets is a fantastic step in the right direction that will help millions across the country.”

All of Aldi's new stores have customer toilets, with older stores gradually being updated.