The Spice & Tea Exchange of Newport

Amazing store! My boyfriend and I love finding spices to cook our food with and this store had a wide variety of spices and teas. The employees were extremely knowledgeable of their products and I loved learning about the different chai tea products! Had no idea there were so many varieties. Will definitely return to purchase some of the chai tea products!

Such a fun and interesting place. We stocked up on the tea, spices and monk fruit. Marvin was such a great help and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this place!

The store is bit messy and disorganized — also no expiration dates, teas/spices are stored in unsealed plastic bags. But it would be okay, with optional tin can and pure trust that everything is fresh…. HOWEVER

The real issue, though, is the extremely rude older woman running it. I simply asked about caffeine-free teas, while holding a green tea in my hand (I am aware that it’s caffeinated, If im asking about caffeine free it just means I don’t know where they are in that messy store, not that I can’t buy both) and she yelled at me in a condescending tone:

“WELL, THAT IS GREEN, THAT IS CAAAAAAFFINATED!” The friend standing next to me was shocked that I did not snap at her for obviously raising her voice and using very condescending rude language. While pointing somewhere at wall, telling me to go look there.

Here’s the thing: I still made a purchase. I wanted to bring home a tea from Newport, and since this was the only shop I saw, I bought what I wanted despite the poor storage and the attitude. Honestly, her poor manners don’t affect anyone but her and her little business, because I would probably buy more things and not write this obviously.

But there was also a young girl working there, and I hope she finds a better job — the environment looked toxic. She was very stressed. She was always looking at the older lady with concern that she is doing everything right.

Overall, between the chaotic setup, overpriced items, and rude treatment, I don’t recommend this store.

The store is small and narrow, but it smells amazing! I picked up a candle and two teas. The woman working there didn’t have much patience, but she definitely knew her stuff, she explained how each tea should be steeped for the best flavor.
She did ask if I was military, I told her I’m a vet and showed my ID, she told me she believed me and made a comment about karma catching up to anyone who isn’t truthful. If you’re a vet, I’d recommend just showing your ID up front, it keeps things simple. Or say no to avoid it all together. I’m grateful for the discount but it’s not necessary and especially if it’s just made weird.
I learned they also offer online ordering, which I might try in the future.

Lynn is amazing and extremely the informative! She knew each product like the back of her hand. I will definitely be back. I’ve give this review a 10 if I could!

Fabulous service and products!!! Spent $$ and will go back literally every time I'm in town. The salt mill that I bought...which I then filled with truffle goodness... may just be the death of me (literally😆)

Wide variety of delicious tea, local honey, and gorgeous pots, cups, and tea accessories. The ladies were knowledgeable and helpful.

Got some very yummy teas here. The older lady gave me tips on how to brew the specific ones I bought. Very fragrant and pleasant aroma ❤️

The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. The space itself smells amazing and the quality is fantastic. So many choices! I always find something new and exciting.

One of the many shops on Thames St, this one is probably my favorite. While it is relatively small, there’s a wide variety of spices, custom mixes, and teas available to peruse here. They have large glass display jars for each that you can pick up and smell, and then choose from a small packet or a larger shaker of whatever you choose. While the prices are a bit on the higher side, the employees were very friendly and passionate about the store, and happy to talk through any questions I had. Would highly recommend stopping by if you’re visiting the area!

Product wise, I love going to The Spice & Tea Exchange - my favorite tea is their Mint Chilla Chai-Nilla, I refill it whenever I'm in an area that has it - Portsmouth, Portland, Mystic, and now twice in Newport.

I hadn't been able to travel refill my stock and have been out of my leaves for awhile so when I took a trip to Newport yesterday, it was a priority for me. The shelf has 2oz bags, I knew I wanted something bigger. I went over to the measuring counter where two women were working diligently, I stood there patiently until another staff member stopped to tell me the register was elsewhere, I said I was actually trying to get a bigger bag than on the shelf..never been an issue before.

Lynn was measuring out and with a snarky tone and cadence said "what do you want?!" I replied I'm not sure on the sizes she quickly and aggressively stated "we have 1 2 3 4..10", I was hoping for some kind of reference but she was clearly too inconvenienced and blatantly rude to truly help. I was so taken back and anxious by the nature of her attitude that I said 4 and immediately left, I typically spend time looking around and buy tons of their products. My group, including a child, felt so uncomfortable I doubt they'll ever go back in..I'll default to a different location going forward.

Product wise, I love going to The Spice & Tea Exchange - my favorite tea is their Mint Chilla Chai-Nilla, I refill it whenever I'm in an area that has it - Portsmouth, Portland, Mystic, and now twice in Newport. I hadn't been able to travel refill my stock and have been out of my leaves for awhile so when I took a trip to Newport yesterday, it was a priority for me. The shelf has 2oz bags, I knew I wanted something bigger. I went over to the measuring counter where two women were working diligently, I stood there patiently until another staff member stopped to tell me the register was elsewhere, I said I was actually trying to get a bigger bag than on the shelf..never been an issue before. Lynn was measuring out and with a snarky tone and cadence said "what do you want?!" I replied I'm not sure on the sizes she quickly and aggressively stated "we have 1 2 3 4..10", I was hoping for some kind of reference but she was clearly too inconvenienced and blatantly rude to truly help. I was so taken back and anxious by the nature of her attitude that I said 4 and immediately left, I typically spend time looking around and buy tons of their products. My group, including a child, felt so uncomfortable I doubt they'll ever go back in..I'll default to a different location going forward.

Everyone here was absolutely lovely! We visited the other day out of curiosity, and left with five small bags of different spices and herbs! I also got a small bag of catnip for my friend's cat, along with a small bag of wild blueberry sugar, which I just tried this morning and it was absolutely perfect! Highly recommend going here if you want to find some amazing new spice blends or even find some unique sugars!

would give six stars if I could; the only complaint is that their store isn’t big enough! i’ve been shopping here for years & I frequently see new spices, salts, teas, honeys, sugars, sampler packs, and most recently drink mixes. there’s also some hidden little things on the tables down lower.

the staff is so helpful and kind, very genuinely passionate about their craft. they answer any and all questions you have, help point you in the right direction of what you want from a product, and provide all the options. they have a website too which keeps it convenient to stay stocked on your favorites.
10/10 experience, am recommending highly.

One of the best places in Newport, RI. I come here every few months to restock on the garlic seasoning and I just went today for some Christmas gifts. It is a cute shop with some of the friendliest workers.