Air fryers, hanging egg chairs, and kayaks aren’t just flying off Aldi’s shelves; they’re landing on people’s skin thanks to a new range of temporary tattoos celebrating its most iconic middle aisle favourites.
Few brands have inspired the kind of devotion that Aldi’s middle aisle manages to conjure. From viral air fryers to sell-out Pilates machines, the supermarket’s Specialbuys regularly whip shoppers into a frenzy. Now, that devotion can be worn loud and proud in tattoo form.
Aldi has unveiled a range of temporary tattoos paying homage to its most iconic products. In true Aldi fashion, they’re a little bit unexpected with a Kamado BBQ here, a paddling pool there, and even a kayak if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
The limited-edition collection features ten quirky designs, all inspired by fan-favourite Specialbuys that have earned cult status over the years. From garden tool sheds and stand mixers to the ever-popular hanging egg chair, each tattoo is a nod to the nation’s obsession with Aldi’s middle aisle treasures.
It’s not just a gimmick, either, as new research commissioned by the supermarket reveals a striking generational shift in how people view tattoos. While older generations may still associate them with permanence, younger Brits see ink as far more fluid.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, found that 43% of Gen Z view tattoos as part of an “evolving canvas” that can be updated and refreshed over time. In contrast, just 14% of Baby Boomers see them that way. Even more telling, 61% of Gen Z respondents wouldn’t think twice about getting a tattoo, and 30% say they’d get one tomorrow.
Aldi’s temporary designs are tapping into this changing attitude. “Our shoppers love our middle aisle – with products often going viral across social media and selling out fast,” says Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK. “Now, thanks to our brand-new tattoos, shoppers can show off just how much they love Aldi Specialbuys!”
Importantly, these aren’t permanent, which might be music to the ears of the 36% of Brits with ink who’ve tried to hide or remove their tattoos. Among the top regrets are an ex’s name (a classic), misspelt words, and artwork that didn’t quite match the original vision. A fifth of respondents said they’d regretted getting something that’s no longer cool or trendy, which might make that early-2000s tribal band feel even more awkward.
With over half (58%) of Brits now open to using temporary tattoos instead of the real deal, Aldi’s limited-edition range hits the sweet spot: nostalgic, weirdly stylish, and gone in a couple of weeks, just like your favourite Specialbuy.
To win the tattoos, shoppers just need to email their name and date of birth to specialbuytattoos@aldi.co.uk between today and 22 August 2025. And if you’re lucky enough to bag a set, expect comments – especially if you’re proudly sporting a miniature air fryer on your forearm.
The temporary tattoo market itself is booming, growing globally by 7.6% each year. What was once the preserve of kids’ birthday parties and dodgy holiday stalls is now having a high-fashion revival, complete with designer collabs and Instagram clout.
In that sense, Aldi’s tongue-in-cheek collection doesn’t just make sense – it’s perfectly timed. It pokes fun at our brand devotion, our fear of commitment, and our collective adoration for a bargain that feels too good to be true.
Whether you’re a proud lawn mower loyalist or partial to the pink Aldimania sliders, there’s now a way to wear your Specialbuy heart on your sleeve (literally). No regrets required.
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