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NEW YORK (AP) — As drugstores increasingly compete with grocers, there's good news for shoppers, especially those living alone.

Beyond chips and soda, the offerings at Walgreens, CVS/Pharmacy and other drug store chains now include pantry staples and even some healthy items. And their prices for small quantities can rival and often beat grocers'.

"You have to keep your eye on what (drugstores) are promoting," said Wendy Liebmann, CEO of marketing consulting firm WSL Strategic Retail. "They're definitely fairly competitive with grocery chains, and they're offering a broader selection" than in the past.

Walgreen, the nation's largest drugstore chain, said this month that it will offer more fresh food at about 400 stores in neighborhoods where not many other stores offer produce and other items. CVS last year doubled its non-perishable food selection in more than 3,000 stores nationwide and added "Grab-N-Go" meal sections with sandwiches and salads.

But with all that convenience, can you save money?

The Associated Press compared prices for six food items at five stores in New York City: a CVS/Pharmacy, a Walgreen, a Food Emporium supermarket, a C-Town supermarket and a mom-and-pop convenience store called Ann's Deli and Grocery.

Here's what we shopped for: a 14-ounce box of Cheerios; a half-gallon of whole milk; an 8.5-ounce Lean Cuisine Glazed Chicken entree; a 26-ounce jar of Ragu spaghetti sauce with meat; a 1-pound box of Barilla spaghetti and a 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola.