If you are holding an older light blue and white Contour meter, you might be panicking because your local pharmacy stopped stocking the strips. Are Contour Test Strips discontinued? The short answer is NO.

However, the supply chain has changed significantly in 2026, creating the illusion that they are gone. Here is exactly why you are having trouble finding them:

1. The "Insurance Boxes" are Gone: Ascensia (formerly Bayer) discontinued the specific "Mail Order" boxes (Models 7097C and 7098C) that were sold cheaply to insurance companies.
2. Only "Retail Boxes" Remain: The strips are now primarily sold in the "Retail" packaging (Model 7080G), which national chains often refuse to carry due to lower profit margins.
3. The "Next" Takeover: Search results are flooded with "Contour Next" strips, burying the listings for the original "Classic" Contour strips.

We also get many questions asking if Contour NEXT Test Strips can be used with old Contour meters. The answer is NO. The technologies are different, and using the wrong strip will result in an error code.

What Are Contour Test Strips?

Contour Test Strips, not to be confused with Contour NEXT Test Strips, are the first-generation blood glucose monitoring system originally made by Bayer Diabetes Care.  In January 2016, Panasonic Healthcare Holdings completed its acquisition of Bayer Diabetes Care and established Ascensia Diabetes Care as an independent global company. This marked a new chapter, allowing the company to focus entirely on diabetes care. Produced by Ascensia Diabetes Care, Contour Test Strips are known for their precision and ease of use. They work seamlessly with Contour meters, providing reliable results for diabetics

Contour Test Strips Discontinued: Why is There Confusion?

There are a few reasons why people believe Contour Test Strips have been discontinued:

1.  Price & Availability: Prices for Contour test strips have risen significantly in the past few months. Contour 7097C & 7098C boxes have both been discontinued leading to higher prices since only the 7080G box is available.  Contour 7097C, 7098C, and 7080G are NOT available at Amazon.com or CVS.com.  Contour 7080G Test Strips are available at Walgreens.com, Walmart.com and for up to 35% less at xeteor.com. 
2.  Contour Meters: Contour Meters have been discontinued.  This leads many to speculate that Contour Test Strips are also discontinued.  Ascensia continues to product test strips despite the meter being discontinued.  This is due to wide popularity of Contour Test Strips, especially with seniors.
3.  New Product Lines: With the wide availability and introduction of Contour Next meters like Contour Next EZ, Contour Next Gen and Contour Next Link, some might wrongly assume the original Contour strips are no longer being produced. However, as discussed, there continues to be a number of older users of Contour meters, albeit less than before, so Ascensia continues to produce Contour Test Strips for these consumers.

FACT: Contour Test Strips Are Still Available

To reiterate, Contour Test Strips continue to be available.  As consumers upgrade to Contour NEXT meters which work with Contour NEXT test strips, the "old school" Contour meter user base continues to decline.  At some point Ascensia will likely discontinue Contour Test Strips when the customer base is too low and it's not profitable to manufacture these strips.

Where to Buy Contour Test Strips

If you’re having trouble finding Contour test strips, here are a few tips:

1. Online Retailers: It is increasingly difficult to find Contour Test Strips online at large retailers like Amazon.com or CVS.com.  As of May 2025, a box of 50 Contour Test Strips were available at Walmart for $61.98 and at Walgreens for $73.99. However, you can purchase Contour Test Strips for up to 35% less at xeteor.com for $49.99 a box with free shipping.
2. Local Retail Pharmacies: Local mom and pop pharmacies sometimes carry Contour Test Strips, depending on their location.  These pharmacies may carry Contour Test Strips because customers in their local area use them. Check with your local pharmacy. Even if they don't have them on the shelf, they might be able to order them for you.

Online retailers like xeteor.com carry Contour Test Strips and are far cheaper than purchasing from local retail pharmacies.  

Buy Ascensia Contour 50 Test Strips at xeteor.com

7097C, 7098C, 7080G

*Includes Free Shipping.

Contour Test Strips Discontinued: Can I Buy Direct from Ascensia?

Unfortunately, it's not possible to buy Contour Test Strips directly from Ascensia. Contour Test Strips are available both from online retailers and local retail pharmacies. Contour Test Strips can be purchased from xeteor.com for $49.99 per box of 50 test strips, with bulk discounts as you buy more.

Alternatives to Contour Test Strips

If you’re having trouble finding Contour Test Strips and want to upgrade your meter, there are a few options:

1. Switch to a Contour NEXT Meter: Switching to the newest Contour NEXT meter is a way to convert to Contour Next Test Strips, which are much more widely available.  
2. Other Brands: While switching brands can be a hassle, there are other reputable brands like OneTouch, Accu-Chek, Abbott, True Metrix and CareSens available. Sometimes insurance can play into this also as they may require you to use a specific brand to have test strips covered.

Some people believe there are generic test strips for Contour meters.  This is false as there are currently no generic test strips for Contour or Contour Next Meters.  

Are Contour Test Strips Discontinued: Some Final Thoughts

It's understandable to be concerned about the availability of Contour Test Strips. Rest assured, Contour Test Strips have not been discontinued and continue to be a reliable option for blood glucose monitoring. If you’re ever in doubt, give us a call at 1-833-787-4777.  We'll be happy to help you with money saving recommendations or alternatives.

Are Contour Test Strips Discontinued: Related Blog Posts

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Are Contour Test Strips Discontinued: Products Mentioned

Bayer Ascensia Contour 50 Blood Glucose Test Strips

$49.99

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Bayer Ascensia Contour 50 Blood Glucose Test Strips (2 Pack)

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Bayer Ascensia Contour 50 Blood Glucose Test Strips (6 Pack)

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Bayer Ascensia Contour 50 Blood Glucose Test Strips (12 Pack)

$479.88

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