I'm so excited that I got to order from Pinch Spice Market, after following them for a bit and…read morehearing some great word of mouth. Pinch has a website that you can order through, and if you're local to Louisville you can pick up your order at their facility. They don't have a store open to consumers. I wanted to make shaksuka for the first time but needed harissa and ras el hanout spice blends, which I couldn't find at Kroger. Pinch had these for $7 and $8 for 1/4 cup tins. And my order was ready for pick-up within 24 hours. Clear instructions were sent for this, and my husband was able to easily retrieve these for me. These spices are so fragrant, and I loved adding them to my dish. Now I'm looking for other dishes I can make with these. I can't wait until I need more spices, because I will definitely order from Pinch again.

I love this place. I've been ordering from here for a while now. Just got two new spices today…read more They're always fresh! And they carry items I can't find in store.

Zi Olive continues to be a special place and an opportunity to treat yourself or others. Bottles of…read moreolive oil and vinaigrette start at $25, although you can get small "travel" bottles for around $6. They truly have every flavor profile from sweet to savory that you can think of. Paper cups are available to test the flavors before you commit. Another popular item is honey - several flavors and opportunities to try them. You'll also find some dipping seasonings (for bread), other sauces, and condiments. We opted for the traditional white vinaigrette to pair with an olive oil. Really looking forward to enjoying it on salads or bread. The employee was key in assisting us on finding bottles we would prefer. Small store that packs in a lot of items. Great spot for presents or items to bring to someone hosting a gathering. Plenty of parking since the store shares space with other retail stores and restaurants.

Tired of adulterated grocery store olive oil? If so, its time to head to Zi Olive in the Westport…read moreVillage shopping mall. I was blown away at the variety of balsamic vinegar and olive oils that are available at Zi Olive. I was told they have over 50 varieties of infused olive oil! Self-serve tasting is available for all of the balsamic vinegars and olive oils. The staff were super friendly and helpful, suggesting some interesting flavor combinations. We purchased the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with 2 infused oils (blood orange and black cherry) to mix with it for TASTY salad dressings. We also purchased the habanero olive oil which we have really enjoyed when cooking meats. There will be a never-ending combo of oil and vinegar combinations on our salads, breads, and meats. I know exactly where I'm headed when I need a great hostess gift! Thank you Zi Olive!

This is such an adorable shop, full of items sure to contribute to a world-class, delicious meal!…read more I explored New Albany for a bit today and wandered into Underground Station and into The Olivet. This store is small, but it's filled with so much. I loved the balsamic vinegars and olive oils that line two of the walls. Each type is available to sample from large, steel dispensers with a spouts. That's how I fell in love with the raspberry balsamic vinegar. It's sweet and rich, with a bit of tart. The shop owner came over and explained to me how she sources both the balsamic vinegars and olive oils from California. Some of the balsamic vinegars are thick and dark, like molasses. That's because they have been aged for 20 years. Others are much thinner and lighter and are younger. There are benefits to both. Maybe this is a sign of me becoming more refined in my culinary preferences, but I would have never geeked out over some flavored EVOO or BV when I was younger. In the past, those were the cooking ingredients relegated to the back of the cabinet or as the almost silent back-up singers of a dish. But I've grown to love tasting all the varieties and learning how best to use them, such as in cooking and on salads or even drizzled over ice cream. The Olivet also has a wall of spices, including special spice blends. These. Smelled. Amazing. Can't wait to try the "Napa Valley Blend" I came home with. This shop also sells lotions, body products, artisan chocolates and other bits of delight. I could tell that the owner is passionate about what she does and sharing it with others. The Olivet also just celebrated its first anniversary. Congrats, Olivet!

If you're really into cooking, flavor, and the unexpected, The Olivet is for you! I am kind of…read moreshocked that a specialty shop like this exists in small town Indiana, but I'm extremely happy that it does. This is a shop that is focused and goes deep. The options for oils and vinaigrette are shocking. That's before you hit the wall of spices. All of these are available in volumes that allow you to buy as much as you need rather than just shelves of pre-packaged goods. Also, feel free to check out the fresh-baked, delicate desserts in the back cases. I finally found squid ink pasta, so I'm excited. You definitely won't be confusing this with a stop in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly! You have to check out The Olivet if you want to take your cooking to the next level.

I first found out about this establishment while visiting the St. Matthews Farmer's Market in the…read moresummer of 2023...and did not even realize I had not yet written a review for them...tsk tsk. ***Note: Effective September 2025, they are now located at: 2237 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205 (very near to the Douglass Loop area). I am a regular customer of this business and love every single product I have purchased here! No exaggerations at all, seriously! Sally is always so helpful and kind, as well as the owners too. I love supporting small local businesses. My regular purchases include: * Garlic Infused Olive Oil (I cannot have garlic, and this is allowable on my food plan...plus it's delicious and makes everything tastes so much better than plain olive oil, in my opinion anyway). * Denissimo Balsamic Vinegar (this is a super rich, decadent and aged vinegar, and so worth the cost as it's a premium product). *Honey Ginger White Balsamic Vinegar (I love Ginger and Honey and this flavor is true to a perfect combination on the two). *Lemongrass-Mint White Balsamic Vinegar (if you like Lemongrass you will love this too!) *Montgomery Cherry Rosé Balsamic Vinegar (this is another of my favorites, it's sweet and tart and lovely!). *Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar (I absolutely love love love lemons and this is another favorite). *Lemon Stuffed Manzanilla Olives from Spain (TO DIE FOR!!!!) *Orange Stuffed Manzanilla Olives from Spain (equally delicious and the lemon stuffed olives, they are sweeter and I enjoy them regularly, but I do favor the lemon ones more). *Tarragon White Balsamic Vinegar (if you like Tarragon then this is for you, it cod very strong and not much is needed to add this savory flavor to any dish it might complement). I think one of my favorite things about visiting this establishment is that they are always so friendly, you can sample any oil or vinegar you'd like, and they provide suggestions to cater towards your palate. The ambiance in the store on Brownsboro Rd was haute cuisine, and once they get the new location on Bardstown Rd completely set up, I am confident it will be the same also. If you love to cook and require quality ingredients, go visit them, you will not be disappointed!

This spot is amazing for people that love to cook or experiment with a bit of flavor. One side is…read morefull of balsamic and the other side is vinegars. The store offers tiny cups so that you may sample each one and it feels safe and sanitary to do it. I love the signs on each flavor which shares a description and offers a suggestion on how to use it. Choose from small, medium or large bottles, or a gift set. A few other food options are available, including honey, olives, pasta, sauces and hot sauce. Gift cards available and corporate gift options.

Love it. Logan Street Market has had a lot of turnover, perhaps the expected amount given its…read morecircumstance. Highly successful businesses have outgrown the market and moved on to standalone businesses. And other shops have fizzled out. But I'm thrilled that Colonel De's has been a mainstay in this spot. Colonel De's is not a big chain, but they are a little one. The original is in Findlay Market in Cincinnati, and as of this writing there's also a satellite across the river in Newport. Colonel De's also does a mail order business, but that's it for offices. And the spices are great. They make a lot of their own blends and they have pretty much all the basics. They are not as cheap as some of the crap you can find at the grocery store, but they are definitely a notch better. And I'm pretty sure they look affordable when compared to some national chains. My favorite aspects, besides the convenience of coming here, include the fact that you can bring your own container, and the experience more generally that the people they've had working here have always been very helpful and approachable. Friendly place, great spices, super convenient, and you can grab an arepa or a bagel or a beer while you're running your errand. Skip the spice aisle at Kroger. Come here and get better stuff.

Located inside Logan Street market, this cute little booth sells herbs and spices…read more They have different areas in their booth, and the spices are labeled accordingly. There are areas for different types of meat, like chicken, pork, beef. There are also soup mixes. And even dip mixes! I have gotten a few spice packets for myself before, and plan to get a gift set as a gift for a dirty Santa. I think it would make a perfect Christmas gift for those who love to cook, or those who generally love to experiment.

Stumbled upon this little shop while exploring downtown New Albany. I was immediately greeted and…read moreshown around the store. From spices to salts to sugars and teas this place has it all. I had no idea how many types/varieties of sugars and salts existed until today. Every product had a corresponding jar beside it, which you could open to smell (this was really helpful). I ordered a large Lemon and Cherry Tea, it was refreshing. I like that they have sampler sets, which reduce the costs if you were to buy the items individually. The prices are on the higher side but they do advertise their products as "fine spices, herbs, blends, salts, teas". I picked up 1oz of the Crazy Chicken Seasoning and 2oz of the Dragon Fruit Fusion Herbal tea. My partner chose 1.5 oz of Pineapple Sugar, 1.5 oz of cranberry Orange Sugar and pineapple upside down maple syrup 8.45 oz. Our total with my tea came out to $60.43 after tax. While I can't afford to shop here regularly, this place is a perfect stop for someone needing to pick up a gift for any occasion. The shop was organized well and inviting to newbies.

A Lesson in "Local" vs. Franchise: My Experience at The Spice & Tea Exchange…read more I'm writing this not from anger, but from concern for fellow consumers who prioritize supporting truly local businesses and expect quality products backed by genuine customer service. What I Thought I Was Supporting When I visited The Spice & Tea Exchange during their grand opening, I was delighted. The boutique aesthetic, the owner's involvement, the community feel--everything suggested an independent, locally-owned shop. As someone who intentionally supports local businesses over chains, I became a repeat customer, purchased multiple items, and referred others. The Quality Issues I experienced problems with two different teapots: First purchase: A yellow stoneware teapot infuser with a design flaw--a tiny screw that constantly came loose, making the lid crooked and unstable. The store provided a replacement (the glass teapot), which I appreciated. The exchange: I chose this BEAUTIFUL glass teapot infuser as replacement. Within a short time, this teapot cracked while I was washing it in the sink--not dropping it, not exposing it to temperature shock, just routine cleaning. I own numerous glass items--French presses, teapots, bowls--many for years without issue. I've even accidentally dropped glass items that didn't break. Quality glassware does not spontaneously crack during gentle washing. The Customer Service Breakdown August 2025: Since I do not live in New Albany and wasn't sure when I would be able to make it back to the physical location, I sent a detailed email to the New Albany location. No response. October 2025: I contacted corporate through their website. Customer service (Toni) was sympathetic and promised a replacement. However, she stated: "Since our stores are independently owned and operated franchise stores, if you would like a refund or credit, contact the store directly." Three months later: No replacement ever arrived. December 2025 in-person: I explained everything to owner Kellyjean Gettelfinger. She told me "glass breaks" and that their in-store containers also break "for no reason." She said she'd "be the one losing money" if she helped, and asked what I expected her to do. No accommodation was offered--no exchange, store credit, or goodwill gesture despite my being a repeat customer who referred others. The Franchise Reality The Spice & Tea Exchange is a franchise. It may be owned by a local resident, but operates under corporate structure that fundamentally changes the business: Quality Control: The owner likely can't source better products. Franchise agreements typically mandate approved vendors and products--explaining why she knows their containers break but can't change suppliers. Customer Service Limitations: You're caught between franchise owner and corporate--neither takes full responsibility. Corporate says "contact the store," the store says they'll lose money helping you, and you're left with a broken product. Where Your Money Goes: Your money splits between the local owner, franchise fees to corporate, and corporate-mandated suppliers (often out of state)--very different from a Mom and Pop where revenue stays in the community. Decision-Making Authority: Independent owners can take a loss on defective items to preserve relationships. Franchise owners operate within corporate constraints and seem less empowered to prioritize customer satisfaction. What Quality Retailers Do Reputable glassware companies (Pyrex, Bodum, Ball, Le Creuset) stand behind products with warranties. Quality retailers source products they trust, warn customers about limitations, offer guarantees, or stop carrying problematic items. When glass breaks during normal use, it's defective. A responsible retailer addresses this, not dismisses it. For Fellow "Buy Local" Consumers "Locally owned" and "local business" aren't always the same. A franchise may be owned locally and employ local people (so does Walmart), but the business model, decision-making power, and revenue flow differ fundamentally from independent businesses. If supporting truly local businesses matters--where owners have full autonomy, money stays in the community, and customer relationships are prioritized--ask whether a business is independently owned or a franchise. I believed I was supporting a local owner who would stand behind products and value customer relationships. Instead, I encountered corporate constraints without corporate accountability, unresolved quality issues, and dismissive responses to legitimate concerns. I don't write this to attack anyone personally, but because I care about where my money goes and what business practices I'm supporting. I hope this helps others make informed decisions and encourages all businesses to prioritize quality and customer care. Documentation available: Emails from August and October 2025 if needed. I wish I had photos, unfortunately I threw away or gave back what I had.

I absolutely love this brand and the service that you get is above and beyond. I really appreciate…read morethe grower and his family because you can tell that they care about what they are doing and the product that they put out. Thank you so much. I'm so glad that I was introduced to this product.

I got my honey today delivered to my front door! It's one of the best I've had. Texture is smooth…read moreand it's so yummy!! Get in touch with them today and get yours!

I found out about this place from visiting Rainbow Blossom, as they sell some of "The Elderberry…read moreCo." products. While at Rainbow Blossom I purchased the Elderberry Syrup, which is not only delicious but helps immensely when you are not feeling well. I love the product! I was walking downtown New Albany and came across "The Elderberry Co." actual store and just had to visit it because I am always looking for healthier options. I met the owner Jenny and she was super helpful, and her staff was as well. The store is pristine and inviting, and the range of products offered surprised me. I purchased Castile Soap, Biotin Gummies, a new Face Cream product which just launched recently, and Magnesium Balm to help aide with my sleeplessness. I can say without a doubt I love ALL the products! The Biotin Gummies are delicious and the perfect texture, the Magnesium Balm is helping me rest better at night, and the Face Cream works great for my super sensitive skin! I will definitely become a regular customer of this establishment!

This is a very cute, local woman owned shop that specializes in elderberry products. Elderberry is…read moregood for the immune system. I got a jar of elderberry syrup on this trip. It needs to stay refrigerated. One tablespoon a day keeps the bugs at bay, lol. They also offer elderberry tea, and other natural products such as gummies, beard oil, facial products and candles. They have a website that you can order the products and have them shipped to your door. The shop has grown and expanded since it was started in 2019. The staff was friendly and helpful.