Bushwick. Same as always.

We’ve heard complaints about the situation out in Bushwick — bugs, grime, train follies, the fact that no one in the media can talk about it without mentioning the words “loft” or “desolate.” But there’s also the food desert problem: some grumble about the trouble finding decent, affordable groceries that don’t involve a ride to Union Square. Enter blog buddies BushwickBK who are back with their latest Supermarket Sweep comparing prices on basics (milk, eggs, beans) at 33 stores in the area. They determined Ridgewood (technically Queens) is the cheapest nabe, followed by South Bushwick. But which store is best? Head over to BushwickBK to find out, and see a map and full list of research!

Their price down by neighborhood for a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, a carton of one dozen eggs, a pound of bananas, and a 15.5oz can of pinto or black beans.

Average food basket prices

E Williamsburg (above Flushing): $10.08

N Bushwick (Flushing to Myrtle) $9.15

S Bushwick (below Myrtle) $8.60

Ridgewood $8.37

The Supermarket Sweep also has data from 2009 and 2008 so you can compare inflation in the hood.

What’s your go-to place for groceries in Bushwick, and why?

Good news, New Yorkers: Walgreens prices beat Duane Reade (slightly) in our check of 15 essential (and some not-so-essential) items, and the overall price for our trip to Walgreens was about $30 cheaper. The companies said Duane Reade’s 257 stores will keep operating under their name after the buyout, but consolidation is inevitable.

Our undercover price scoping took us behind the automatic doors at the Williamsburg Duane Reade on North 5th and the Walgreens on Union Ave. While the price differences were often minor, Walgreens offers a wider variety of generic products, a noisier store, and a security-protected deodorant case to ward off obsessive-compulsive (and sweaty) kleptomaniacs. And while Duane Reade is unarguably the more aesthetically appealing of the two stores, it fails to have such necessities as the Inspire Waterproof Rubber Sheet Protector and the famed “As Seen on TV” and celebrity perfume aisles (Walgreens graces its floors with FOUR different varieties of Celine Dion fragrances). Check out the results of the study after the jump, with each round’s winner in blue.

TOOTHPASTE
Colgate (Cavity Protection 8.2 oz tube)
Duane Reade: $2.99
Walgreens: $3.99

Generic
Walgreens: Anticavity/Antigingivitis Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste 6 oz – $2.49
Duane Reade: None

Crest vs. Colgate is like the battle of Coke vs. Pepsi, but after a quick once-over in the toothpaste aisle, it’s clear that Colgate’s dental repertoire is easier on the wallet. Duane Reade provides brand-name cavity protection for a reasonable $2.99, but they don’t offer a generic. Non-label snobs can head to Walgreens and save $0.50 or 1/4 of a PBR.

PAIN KILLERS
Advil (liquid gels 40 count)
Duane Reade: $7.89
Walgreens: $7.49

Generic Ibuprofen
Duane Reade: $6.49
Walgreens: $5.99

It’s totally understandable to want the Gucci of toothpastes, since keeping your grill fresh can help you avoid prison time (thanks, Lil Wayne). However, we see nothing sexy about brand-name painkillers, and Walgreens will cure your toothache/hangover/last night’s heel trauma on the cheap.

3. HEMORRHOIDAL OINTMENT
Preparation H (2 oz.)
Duane Reade: $14.69
Walgreens: $13.49

Generic (2 oz.)
Duane Reade: $10.99
Walgreens: $10.99

Let it be noted that Walgreens’s generic variety is a hot item, as the shelf was empty by the time we arrived.

4. WELLBUTRIN (XL 150mg 30 pills)
Duane Reade: $212.69
Walgreens: $194.99

5. VIAGRA (50mg 6 pills)
Duane Reade: $119.49
Walgreens: $110.99

Recession got you down? It will get you even further down if you buy your uninsured Wellbutrin or Viagra at Duane Reade. Our advice: Stick to recreational drugs.

6. BANDAGES
BandAid (Tough Strips 20 count)
Duane Reade: $4.79
Walgreens: $4.49

Generic
Duane Reade: $3.79
Walgreens:  $3.99

If you can stand to part with colorful Elmo-themed bandages to cheer you up post-paper cut, you can save some dough. Both stores offer generic bandages for less.

7. CONTACT SOLUTION
Bausch and Lomb Renu
Duane Reade: $9.49
Walgreens: $9.99

Generic
Duane Reade: $6.99
Walgreens: $6.99

This is one item that offers pretty significant savings if you opt for generic. Sorry, Bausch and Lomb, $3 is a falafel at the Bedford L, or a nice pair or scissors for the recession ritual of credit-card cutting.

8. GUM
Orbitz spearmint
Duane Reade: $1.49
Walgreens: $1.29

Gum has evolved far beyond the nondescript Trident “Original” flavor, but we decided to remain fairly conservative and go for a nice, minty Orbitz. Your breath might not be fresher from making a trip to Walgreens, but you will be $0.20 richer.

9. DEODORANT
Duane Reade: Dove Original Clean Scent – $3.69; Old Spice Original – $3.39
Walgreens: Dove Original Clean Scent – $3.99; Old Spice Original – $3.59

We have yet to see generic deodorant, and there’s a reason for that; you don’t mess with B.O. Don’t get sucked into Old Spice’s marketing, which makes you drop at least an extra $2 for its “Swagger” variety (a.k.a. “The Official Scent of Confidence”). Duane Reade is clearly the place to smell best for less.

The Walgreens bargain bin.

10. BAR SOAP
(2 bars Dove White/Men’s Extra Fresh)
Duane Reade: $3.79
Walgreens: $4.29

So fresh and so clean clean for $0.40 less at Duane Reade. However, when it comes to selection, Walgreens sells generic versions of Dial, Irish Spring, and Lever 2000 for about $2 per three-pack.

11. CONDOMS
Trojan Lubricated Ultra Ribbed 3-pack
Duane Reade: $5.99
Walgreens: $6.79

If you don’t trust those plentiful free NYC condoms, do yourself a favor and go for the ultra-ribbed at Duane Reade. We guarantee you’ll both be lying down by the fire listening to Michael McDonald in no time.

12. BOOZE
Duane Reade: Coors Light Six Pack – $6.99; Blue Moon Six Pack – $10.49; Heineken Six Pack – $9.99
Walgreens: No beer. #fail

Duane Reade doesn’t have the Champagne of Beers, but it does carry Blue Moon. That’s a win by forfeit. Now if they only sold oranges.

13. RED BULL
Duane Reade: $2.19 or special 2/$4
Walgreens: $2.19

You get your wings for less at Duane Reade when you purchase two cans or more.

14. FACE WASH
Neutrogena Acne Wash
Duane Reade: $7.49
Walgreens: $7.49

Generic face wash
Duane Reade: $6.49
Walgreens: $5.29

Dirty faces are no good for job interviews. To keep your best asset sparkling on the cheap, Walgreens’s knock-off Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is your friend.

15. BODY WASH
(Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash)
Duane Reade: $10.99
Walgreens: $9.79

Generic body wash
Duane Reade: $6.99
Walgreens: $5.99 or 2/$10

We know you’re buying body wash: Recently the scales have tipped, and body wash outsold bar soap for the first time.

TOTALS
Name-brand products
Duane Reade: $410.86
Walgreens: $384.85

Generic products
Duane Reade: $41.74
Walgreens: $37.05

DUANE READE BONUS: Drink your sorrows away while you stock up on next year’s valentines. Duane Reade scores brownie points for carrying booze, disposable underwear (left), and Jonas Brothers Valentines for 50% off. But no Snuggies for sale, DR? We all know that a drugstore is only as good as its hands-free, fleece, wearable blanket selection.

WALGREENS BONUS: Get your high-fructose corn syrup fix! There’s an item-of-the-month bin that lets you pick any two deliciously processed treats for $3: Oreos, Ritz Crackers, Act II Popcorn, Lorna Doones. Snuggies are $14.99, which you may need to keep your warm as you wait in a line of three people that takes four hours to move.

Which one do you think is better, Walgreens or Duane Reade? Or maybe CVS or Rite Aid? Tell us in the comments!