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Where the 7-Eleven price comparison came from
An anonymous AnandTech forum poster asked the question on March 21, 2008, reporting a price of about $1.25 per condom in a three-pack at 7-Eleven and saying a similar pack cost almost $2 more at drugstores, mall stores and grocery stores. The post does not identify the brand, model, store locations, or date of the comparison beyond the post date. It is a historical anecdote, not evidence of current prices or a verified comparison across retailers. Read the original forum post.
What current listings show—and what they do not
Online listings illustrate why prices need to be compared by product and unit, not just by retailer name. Ralphs’ displayed examples include a 12-count Trojan Ultra Ribbed pack for $14.99 ($1.25 each), a 3-count Trojan Ultra Ribbed pack for $6.99 ($2.33 each), and a 36-count Trojan Ultra Thin pack for $29.99 ($0.83 each). These are listing snapshots, and the products differ in model or count; they are not a controlled price survey. See Ralphs’ condom listings.
Target displays Trojan BareSkin Raw, 3-count, for $9.59, or about $3.20 per condom by arithmetic. That is a different named model from the Ralphs examples and the unidentified 2008 product. Target’s results also include different brands, styles, counts and sellers, so they cannot establish which chain is cheaper for an identical item. See Target’s condom listings.
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- Ultra-Thin: Designed for an exceptionally sensitive and sensual feeling, the SKYN Elite condom is 15% thinner than our standard non-latex condom
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- Highest-quality standards: SKYN condoms are rigorously tested to meet the highest safety standards in order to offer the ultimate sexual wellness protection against unwanted pregnancy and STIs
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- A condom for every moment: Condom use doesn’t have to just be about protection, they can do a lot more; choosing the right condom can bring you and your partner closer, and enhance your experience without worry
CVS says prices may vary between online and in-store shopping, and the available results do not provide a location-matched CVS price for the same item. No current 7-Eleven price for a matching product was located either. Consequently, these listings cannot establish a present-day winner among the four retailers. See CVS’ condom category.
How to compare condom prices fairly
For a useful comparison, check the same product at roughly the same time and in the same market. Match all the details that can affect price:
Rank #2
- 36-count package of Trojan Ultra Thin latex lubricated condoms for men, ultra thin condoms designed for a more natural feeling, made from premium latex for contraception plus protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- These lubricated condoms are thinner than Trojan Original condoms, designed for a more natural feeling, and they deliver trusted protection, with a reservoir tip for extra safety
- Trojan Ultra Thin condoms help you get closer and feel closer; these latex condoms for men have a thin design with a classic, straight-walled shape and a secure fit
- Each Trojan Ultra Thin latex condom heightens every feeling and is made with silky-smooth silicone lubricant for comfort and incredible sensitivity
- These Trojan condoms deliver the closeness you crave with a classic straight shape and a secure fit for confidence, standard size, with a reservoir tip for extra safety
- Brand and model: A brand alone is not enough; compare the named product.
- Material and features: Thin, ribbed, lubricated and other variants may be different products.
- Pack count: Divide the pack price by the number of condoms to get the per-condom cost.
- Location and fulfillment: Compare local stores with local stores, or online listings with online listings. Note whether an online seller is the retailer or a third party.
- Date and promotion: Record sale prices or discounts and whether they are temporary.
For example, Ralphs’ displayed 3-count Ultra Ribbed listing works out to $2.33 per condom, while its displayed 12-count listing works out to $1.25. That difference is a comparison between two listed pack sizes of the same named model, not proof that buying a larger pack is always cheaper or that another retailer charges more. CVS’ warning about online and in-store variation is another reason to check the price and availability for the specific shopping method you plan to use.
Why an exact cause cannot be established
The old post does not establish that the items being compared were identical, and current evidence does not supply matching local prices across the four chains. The forum replies speculated about theft, supply and demand, or convenience, but those explanations were not substantiated. A 2022 paper by Avichai Snir, Haipeng Chen and Daniel Levy discusses zero-ending prices in convenience-store settings; its findings do not explain condom pricing at 7-Eleven, CVS, Target or Ralphs. Read the paper’s abstract.
Rank #3
- 12-count package of Trojan Ultra Thin latex lubricated condoms for men, ultra thin condoms designed for a more natural feeling, made from premium latex for contraception plus protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- These lubricated condoms are thinner than Trojan Original condoms, designed for a more natural feeling, and they deliver trusted protection, with a reservoir tip for extra safety
- Trojan Ultra Thin condoms help you get closer and feel closer; these latex condoms for men have a thin design with a classic, straight-walled shape and a secure fit
- Each Trojan Ultra Thin latex condom heightens every feeling and is made with silky-smooth silicone lubricant for comfort and incredible sensitivity
- These Trojan condoms deliver the closeness you crave with a classic straight shape and a secure fit for confidence, standard size, with a reservoir tip for extra safety
Lower-cost access may be worth checking locally
If cost is the concern, a local health department, clinic or campus health center may be able to tell you whether free or low-cost condoms are available nearby. Availability is local and should be confirmed with the provider. A Nevada retail assessment from 2019–2020 reported free condom access among some respondents, but that finding does not verify a particular program or describe access nationwide. The same assessment found that 88.2% of 187 surveyed Nevada retail locations sold condoms, reported an average $4.97 cost for the smallest package available, and found that 42.7% of surveyed stores had condoms that were not easily accessible or required assistance to purchase. Those figures describe that assessment’s Nevada sample and methods, not current national conditions or prices at the named chains. Read the Nevada Condom Assessment.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One 36 ct value pack box of condoms, Trojan ENZ Latex Condoms are lubricated condoms for increased comfort and sensitivity
- Classic latex condoms with a reservoir end for extra safety and a straight-walled shape for a secure, snug fit to prevent slipping
- Each condom is designed with silky-smooth lubricant for increased comfort and sensitivity to ensure a fun, pleasurable experience both for both partners
- Trojan condoms for men are made from premium latex and triple-tested to ensure reliable, quality contraceptives that reduce risk of unintended pregnancy and STIs
- Explore with confidence with Trojan America's #1 Condom Brand(1), trusted for over 100 years; Trojan promotes a safe, healthy, and fun sex life, delivering innovative, high-quality products that offer pleasure and protection
Rank #4
- 24-count Trojan Raw latex lubricated thin condoms for men are America’s thinnest latex condom(1), with lubricant for ultimate sensitivity; Trojan contraceptives help protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- America’s thinnest latex condom, Trojan Raw (formerly Trojan Bareskin Raw) is designed to help you get closer and feel closer than ever for a thrilling experience
- With silky-smooth silicone lubricant for incredible sensitivity and comfort; plus a classic, straight-walled shape and secure fit to ensure confidence at every moment
- Experience heightened pleasure with Trojan Raw super-thin condoms for men that are specifically crafted for enhanced intimacy
- Made from premium quality latex, Trojan Raw condoms feature a reservoir tip for extra safety while you play
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
