Some tampon makers, including Procter & Gamble, which makes Tampax, have said that trying to stock shelves with their products has become “costly and highly volatile,” according to CNET. And according to a report from NielsenIQ, the average price of tampons for the consumer has risen 9.8 percent in the year through May 28 as a result of inflation.
“To put it bluntly, tampons are next to impossible to find,” Michelle Wolfe, a radio host in Bozeman, Montana, said on her station’s website. “I would say it’s been like this for a solid six months.”
Several big-chain stores across the country have been combating the shortage in recent weeks, including Walgreens, whose spokesperson told Newsweek, “Walgreens works diligently with our suppliers to ensure we have supply available. However, similar to other retailers, we are experiencing some temporary brand-specific tampon shortages in certain geographies. While we will continue to have products at shelf and online, it may only be in specific brands while we navigate the supply disruption.”
With the increased prices and low supply, many menstruating people are turning to other alternatives for tampons. So which alternatives are cheaper, and where can you find them?
Other brands, like U by Kotex and Poise, are comparable in terms of price and can be found on the websites of those four locations as well.
The brand Always also has disposable pairs that come in packs of seven, which can be found cheapest at Walmart for only $7.37. The same brand at the other stores is roughly only $10.
These alternatives are healthy and some more cost-effective, but remember to use what is best for you and consult a physician or health care provider for any questions and concerns you may have.
Newsweek reached out to Walmart and CVS for additional comments.
