Manhattan Fruit Exchange

The best place for fresh fruits and veggies in Manhattan. In fact, I'll make a special trip from Brooklyn, 15 minutes away. Prices range from average to inexpensive, and quality is ALWAYS top notch. Fantastic selection in a city where that usually means incredibly overpriced. Nice people, too! (Plus, they take credit cards now.)

Terrific variety of fruits and vegetables. If it's in season, they'll have it: from staples like tangerines and broccoli to fiddle-head ferns and black garlic (and a comprehensive supply of packaged dry beans, lentils, and spices). Staff is helpful and prices are great considering the neighborhood. (I may be wrong, but the Food Network is just upstairs and I suspect some of the food they use in those competitions has spent some time on these shelves.)

Excellent place for fruits and vegetables, can sometimes find unusual stuff for sale. CAUTION: cashiers almost always get prices wrong, almost always NOT in shoppers' favor. It's really annoying, and if you care, try to remember unit prices when you're selecting stuff, particularly if it's some unusual produce.

I have been a satisfied loyal customer of Manhattan Fruit Exchange for both produce and juice since they opened at Chelsea Market. As I regularly do, yesterday I bought an orange mango juice. Upon opening, it was as thick as a puree, with large chunks of mango, and not in a good way. This was not the quality that I have been buying at the store for 15 years. I decided to return it. On returning, the so called manager of the store could not have been nastier or condescending to me. She did not even open the juice to see what I was unhappy about. Cannot believe that for $3.00 she felt that it was ok to be rude to a long time, neighborhood customer. Cannot believe that you have someone with that temperment representing your store. So disappointed

Pretty good variety at only a slightly premium price. If you work near Chelsea market it's probably the best place to stop and grab groceries during the day.

For fruits and veggies you can't do better than this place in chelsea. Fresh produce and variety of plant/dairy foods that trumps most places around. Prices are reasonable and seasonal.

It’s a small store within Chelsea Market but it packs a good variety of fruits, veggies, and grocery items. Prices are reasonable.

Great selection and quality with fair prices for Chelsea. If you're strictly organic options are a little limited. Recommended.

I've worked in the Chelsea Market for 4 years now and have never once bought fruit from the Manhattan Fruit Exchange. I know. Shocking. Instead I stuck to Haribo gummy snacks - i know, also shocking. Appalling even. Last week I had a craving for some fresh fruit so I stopped into the Manhattan Fruit Exchange and grabbed a pack of strawberry's and black cherry's. Strawberry's with sugar are one of my favorite snacks and these are the ripest, juiciest, sweetest strawberry's I've ever tasted. Don't be fooled by the name, Manhattan Fruit Exchange has a plethora of produce ranging from common to hard to find fruits and veggies. Things to know: The space is large and refrigerated so be prepared for the chill or bring a sweater (the workers wear sweatshirts even in the summer). Self serve. CASH ONLY.

A grocery store with reasonable prices in the middle of Chelsea Market. There's a wide selection of produce as well as packaged foods. The prices are a bit inconsistent: some of their stuff can be expensive, but much of it is pretty cheap by NYC standards. Their spices are cheaper than the last Indian supermarket I went to in Jersey City. So if you have an idea how much things should cost, then you can score some great deals here. $10 minimum for credit card (MC/Visa/Amex/Discover/JCB).

Manhattan Fruit Exchange was one of the first places that I noticed when I visited Chelsea Market. They have one of the larger spots within the market and are chock full of goodies. Along with fruit (obviously) they also offer a large assortment of vegetables and spices. All of the spices are individually packaged. There were quite a few items that I had never heard of before. The only reason I removed 2 stars is because of the service. The cashier rang me up and said they don't accept credit cards, only debit. I said it was debit and even showed her the bank's name on the card. She rolled her eyes, sighed, and said no. I swiped it anyway because 1) it's a debit card and they accept those and 2) her attitude sent me over the edge. Of course, the card authorized and went through. Jerk.

85 cents for herbs. Sold. Carrots ; huge for 99 cents a pd: sold Celery for a bag; 99 cents a bag: sold Great deals. Check it out... Love this place. Great quality and FRESHHHHH

Echoing the sentiments of those before me, I'd say they offer an incredible selection at unbeatable prices (or an unbeatable selection at incredible prices, probably). Always packed but they do a great job with the crowd, and it's certainly convenient, providing a healthy refuge within the calorie pit that Chelsea Market can be. CASH ONLY

This is a cook's INGREDIENT SANCTUARY! This is probably one of my most favorite places in the city! The produce is fresh with tons of fruit and veggie varieties from all over the world at great prices. The spices are great prices as well. You can find everything from apples and oranges to imported cheeses and eclectic cooking oils. You won't be disappointed with this place it's a culinary gem! **Deal Seeking Diva tip** This place is CASH ONLY! So forget the plastic and bring your paper!

After 10 years of almost daily shopping here it has gone way downhill. Prices in last year have increased Variety and consistency of items has decreased. The people who worked there in years past were friendly and knowledgable. Now the new manager has replaced all the cashiers with new indifferent rude workers. I am not looking for a new friend but at least acknowledge my existence as you ring me up. Except the guy that works there that looks like Drake- he is great. I just saw the manger being rude to a customer bc she thought the berries she just bought were the sticker marked price- she didn't see the fallen sign that said they were more. This long beloved neighborhood staple better improve, with all the food delivery services the exchange is no longer the only option.

Totally agree with the one star ratings on here - and how this place has changed over the years...overpriced good of poor quality - spoils really quickly -and totally agree about the awful manager who has some sort of complex - good luck with him. I hope this places closes down and something better run, with the high rents we people pay we demand the best including good management that does not hire thugs who don't know what there doing, know nothing about food and seem to be doing nothing and taking up the small space that one has to navigate through to actually get to the slim pickens of food poor new yorkers don't know is poor quality because they are used to chains. But I've noticed what's in chains now - so much better than this. Nothing is stocked and weird selection - where does this stuff come from Please support REAL farmers markets. Even Trader Joes is better than this and just a few blocks up. This place wreaks of stuff they sell near the subway but at least I know where the money is going. Peaches/Fruit in general, spoil very quickly. Mangos - go rotten shortly after purchase. The shelf life of these products is way too short. I think people think because it is some place "obscure" although its turning into the "mall of america"- they are getting something special, that's a major bias- maybe they give the better goods to the restaurants but what's here truly feels like left overs. So dissappointed - what's happened here? This place is just the opposite of classy. Yet another tourist trap.

I decided to review this place after my experience at the previous one below since their issues are similar. Not organic, but it is in heavily trafficked *chelsea market* I don't see how its different from what I can get on the street cart from street vendors or at markets I find in harlem, I guess it is made palatable because of the location. Where is it from? And the attitudes here? I don't get it - I needed to support what others were writing, it is all very true.

Potatoes for 45 cents a pound. Onions for 50 cents a pound. A pint-sized container of fresh rosemary for $1.50. Someone forgot to tell Manhattan Fruit Exchange that it's in Manhattan. The store is in the heart of the Chelsea Market, a historic indoor shopping mall for food (incidentally, it also seems like a good place to take tourists on a rainy day). Once you find the store, go to the back room for the really cheap stuff. They also have slightly more expensive organic stuff up-front. Great place for huge containers of discounted spices. Total for the ingredients for a week's worth of recipes: $10.50. Sorry Trader Joe's, but I think you just met your match. Cash only!

Holy crap is the produce at MFE friggin ridiculously cheap! How in the hell do they do this in NYC of all places?! I bought a TON of produce here and hardly paid anything for it. This is like NYC's equivalent to PA's Produce Junction. You can pretty much find anything grown under the sun here, including a very impressive wild mushroom selection, which is also inexpensive. There wasn't anything I couldn't find here. One thing to note though, is that the avocados were a tad over-ripe, so it might be a good idea to steer clear of them. Everything else - veggies, fruits, herbs, spices, foreign cheeses, potatoes, even candies - is all cheap and really fresh. The crazy crowds flowing through this tight space prove it. The downside is that they only take cash, but the perk is you won't use much of it!

I'm always on the lookout for great looking greens and I found them at MFE. Even more surprising were the low/reasonable prices for the greens. It's true that Chelsea Mkt isn't that close to me, but if I'm in the area, I'll stop by for my veggies.

I come here pretty often because I work in the Google building, and while it has a good variety and decent prices, their customer service sucks. I've bought avocados and fruit from here that look fine from the outside but end up being rotten on the inside when you take it home -- and this has happened multiple times. The one time I brought back a piece of fruit just to exchange, they wouldn't switch it out without a receipt even though it was clearly spoiled from the inside out. Who really keeps a receipt for a piece of fruit? It's just standard courtesy at most grocery stores to give the benefit of the doubt to the customer, and it was just ONE piece of fruit. Not about the $$, it's about the experience. $10 minimum for credit cards, they do not take manufacturer's coupons, almost always a line (it is Chelsea market after all). Prices for the produce/fruit are cheap but pantry items actually tend to be more expensive than average grocery stores.

I LOVE this place and could not function well without it. As a Private Chef it truly helps me to do my job well and feel inspired by all their amazing offerings. I have been shopping here for many years and it definitely has a special place in my heart. The staff is awesome and whenever I need something specific or special Anthony always come through for me with the best products! I always bring friends there from out of town...a gem on the West Side!

Before the renovation and move this was best place to buy any and every type of fruit and veggie and great prices, practically like a produce wholesaler They also had olives and cheeses, crackers and tomato sauce, pasta and nuts....all basic procisions for making dinner NOW they are an overpriced and understocked Juice/salad bar geared toward the tourists. The basic provisions they sell now are extortionarily priced All of the locals are lamenting the death of this place...at least once a day someone asks me "what happened to this place?"... Management, are you listeneing??

Such a welcome reprieve from D'Ags & the other overpriced produce junk in my neighborhood. I love getting up early on a weekend morning & walking to Chelsea Market for my produce. Yes, I often then spend like $8 on a milkshake at Ronnybrook, totally negating the savings from my vegetables. So what.

Absolutely my new obsession!! I probably come here once a week. The fruit and vegetables are incredible & so so cheap! When I first moved to manhattan 2 years ago or so I could never afford fresh fruit or veggies! I was so depressed about it... but then I found this place!! No more ramen noodles for me! I even stock up on some of their fruit and freeze it for smoothies later. Also, did I mention they have lychee nuts?! & they are not $5 for 10 of them like at some other grocery stores... Just got a cantaloupe, watermelon & honeydew on Sunday- all 3 so sweet! :) If you're lucky enough to live close by- definitely go. But go early in the morning... as you know Chelsea market is tourist central.. it's torture for locals to go there for their groceries... but the fruit is so good I suck it up anyway!

Did you even know that there are 17 different kinds of potatoes? Well if you need those or any other fruit of vegetable this is the place to go. Best quality and selection by far in the city and prices better than most. With addition of cheese counter is a convenience and in the Chelsea market makes this a one stop shop. I could spend hours in here shopping for great ingredients. Go early to avoid the tourist and bring home some goodness

I work in Chelsea Market so this is my go-to place for fresh fruits, veggies and snacks. They also have a inexpensive, fresh salad bar which is great for lunch (albeit very inconsistent with protein options). All in all, a very good place to get groceries, snacks, cheeses--4 stars for quality However, I would give them 2 stars for their customer service. Cashiers are in no rush even when the lines are 10 deep, especially in the morning. The Manager is too busy checking his text messages or on the phone. It's very annoying for someone who is a regular customer. I have on MANY occasions (and have seen many others) walk out because of their lack of interest /urgency in serving customers. If you are coming during peak times, just be prepared to wait until they are ready to serve you.

Surprisingly enough you can get really good deals on produce here. If I am in the area I load up on bulk greens, herbs, coffee and mushrooms. They have an amazing variety of mushrooms and I love trying a new kind each time I go. They also have tons of treats like chocolate and a variety of candies. Definitely a great find inside of Chelsea Market.

This place is more expensive than the Greenmarkets around the city, but the variety is better and they have better hours. If I want kumquats, lychees, fiddlehead ferns, baby artichokes, brussels sprouts on the stem, hydroponic lettuce, watercress or any other mildly to almost completely obscure produce, I can get it at Manhattan Fruit Exchange. The Food Network is their neighbor and all that great looking food you see on the NY based shows? It probably comes from here. In addition to fantastic fresh produce, they also have dried fruits and veggies, nuts, legumes, a good variety of spices, coffees, hot sauces, juices and a small but respectable cheese case where I got my first taste of Applewood Smoked cheddar. Mmmm... Cash only. No credit cards. You can fill a large market bag for $20-30.

Love this place! Seriously, I don't know any other place in Manhattan where you can combine high quality produce, the variety of produce and the CHEAP price. seriously, I don't even understand how they can sell it that cheap. I highly recommend making the trip to this little gem inside chelsea market, you will not regret it!

I work in the area and always find myself in their store for lunch, their salad bar is loaded with fresh fruit and veggies not to mention the guacamole. The prices are pretty competitive and the produce is usually delicious. I took off a point because I made a trip there for a pumpkin last October and out of hundreds and hundreds of the seasonal squash I couldn't find any that were up to my jack-o-lantern standards!

Very rude employees, closes before their hours and everything is over priced. Find another grocery store. Don't support this business.

Great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables at much better prices than the bruised, beat-up poor excuses for produce you'd find at places like Gristedes and D'Agostino's. You'll also find candy, nuts & dried fruits, a small selection of canned goods, and cheeses. The fact that we come all the way from east midtown for this place should say a lot. I only wish I live closer.

$0.85 for rosemary. Are you kidding me? For 1/3 of the amount I got, I've had to pay $2 in Texas!! The amount of beautiful produce -- seriously, I mean "beautiful" -- is amazing. I braced myself for paying an arm & a leg, cuz I'm used to megamarts -- but for $12, I got a 2.5 lb. butternut squash, a whole mess of green beans, an onion, 1 garlic clove (that might have been a dime, seriously), the above-mentioned rosemary, plus butter and cream (which was higher than I like paying, but maybe that's where the NY $ comes in: $2.59 for 2 sticks and $3.99 for a pint of half-and-half) Regardless, I knocked out all of my produce + minimal dairy needs for my mini-dinner party (for 3, okay, but still). They have a bazillion dried spices, it seems, also for a steal -- If only they could add some sugar, I wouldn't have had to stop anywhere else!

I walked it and saw a worldly plethora of fruits, vegetables, spices, sauces and cheeses. hello, HEAVEN. With much restraint, I ended up with a garlic clove, large zucchini, and 1/2 lb of mushrooms. (The variety of produce made me nervous about the prices...) But, you wouldn't even guess what I paid, so I'll just tell you...drumroll please... $1.99 Not to mention the fact that it's in Chelsea Market and I can easy-breezy pick up (and afford!) some cupcakes on the way out. It is cash only, but fortunately for us, there's an ATM in the Market

Review only for the dried good section... So after perusing some of their fruits and vegetables which were pretty reasonably priced, I decided I couldn't possibly go healthy and needed some stick to your teeth study food. I purchased a few boxes of the dried fruit and candy. Out of the 4 boxes that I bought, cash only of course, 1 had moldy fruit in it and another had a gummy candy (that's singular cause they were all melted together!) which I didn't realize was damaged until I was well out of the area. It wasn't worth bringing anything back cause all purchased were not that expensive, but I guess I discovered once again that you get what you pay for.

Awesome fruit! Awesome prices! Sooo damn cold!!! They always have a great selection of produce, even in the organic section. It's a bit tight in terms of space, but what store in the city isn't? Only negative is the dry food section- I've tried getting chocolate-covered raisins and yogurt pretzels and they were both just awful :s Overly sugary and not good at all for the price! Definitely avoid! Otherwise their spices and dried fruit are fabulous, and so is the homemade peanut butter (yum).

It looks great from outside, but I was very disappointed, especially since this grocery is in the Chelsea market which tends to be on the upscale side. There were some nice vegetables, but the local tomatoes were all ruined and the figs were moldy. It's not a good sign when the produce smells like compost. The whole store was generally good, but the lack of consistent quality was a deal breaker. On the upside, the salad bar was very nice!

After all the raves, I have to say I was expecting better. It has some unusual fruits (i.e. real key limes, green figs, etc) but it's expensive. I go there for specific items, that is what it's great for. Other wise I still to Stiles markets for more common things for wayyyyy cheaper prices. They take DEBIT CARDS now!!! $5 minimum.

Now that I work at FN, this place makes it easy, affordable and convenient for me to grab a healthy lunch or snack at work. They always have an awesome selection of fresh fruits, including a salad bar of chopped fruits for just $5/lb. Besides just fruit, I also love that they carry bottled kombucha here at regular retail prices. God do I hate it when "gourmet delis" charge upwards of $6 for a bottle of kombucha. But with Manhattan Fruit Exchange, I can drink a bottle a day without having to trek to Whole Foods. The only downside is the $10 minimum for credit cards. Oh well!

Ever since I lost the proximity of the greatest grocery store on earth (Berkeley Bowl) by moving to this city, trekking to Chinatown seemed to be the only affordable option for decent fruits and veggies at prices that I know made sense, while Union Square's I know didn't. Until I finally checked out this place. Berkeley Bowl it ain't, not even close, but a miniature version anywhere in lower manhattan is still a true treasure. Battling the Chelsea Market tourists to get to the store can be fun for the first few times, but gets on my nerves eventually... Wish they would open another location with street access. Thanks to another reviewer for Stiles Market suggestion. The neighborhood is off for me, but in search for a berkeley bowl substitute in Manhattan I'm willing to travel far.

I work in the Chelsea Market building, so this place has been a gem for me. When I can't make it to a Trader Joes, I stop by here after work to pick up a few things. I'm always surprised at how much I can get here for the cost. Obviously, it's all dependent on what you get, but if you just want veggies, this place is perfect. Everything is fresh, and you can get two bags full of groceries for about $20-25. If you're looking for the fancy stuff, then this place will cost you. Go for nuts and dried fruit and veggies. Also, it's cold in there (fridge kinda cold), so beware!

Very affordable healthy option that can provide a great self-serve salad or fruit plate to accompany your other spoils as you fight your cravings wandering through Chelsea Market. However, I was surprised that the focus of the store was not on organic or all-natural products.

I love this place, but who is Anthony? I see him looking frazzled often. Today during a rush he was loud and kind of rude to the cashiers. Is he a manager? If he is maybe he should stop checking his iPhone, have a better answer then "I've been better" when a customer asks how he is, and not say "shit" when he sees the line getting longer. Just jump in and help. Calmly. The girls all do a great job. No need to breath down their necks.. Otherwise like I said, I love this place.

When I worked in Chelsea over the summer, I would come in here and get a fresh peach to go with my lunch every day. The prices are pretty great, especially on large quantities of spices (I was putting together a spice rack and I saved so much!!!). They have a lot of organic and unusual food too. A couple suggestions though... bring a jacket because this place is like a refrigerator, and also, like Joanna said, bring cash because they don't take credit cards.

There is one thing drawing me here and that's the variety of nut butters. I've tried almond, pistachio, and cashew, which go for five ounces at $2.79, and they're all fabulous, slightly grainy, and even better warmed up. As far as everything else is concerned, I would take note of the huge array of spices, pulses, and other grains in the back, as well as a modest but powerful cheese collection and, naturally, the variety of fruits and vegetables. I have not yet purchased any of these yet because of my rather far distance away from Chelsea Market, but perhaps one day I'll cave. Service is all right, if not a bit dumb.

Puts GRISTEDES and other Manhattan markets to shame. Mushroom selection unreal. Always three different types of beats. Best brussel sprouts I've found in the city. Mint, Basil, Arugula, all fresh and rooted in water. Check out their 1/2 pound goat cheese, blue cheese, and feta selections. All the best prices in the city. Unreal! And, tofu for a 1.50, when it's three dollars at GRISTEDES. 10 oz. containers of spices, curry, cumin, cinnamon (you name it) for under three bucks. I must agree with some of the other reviews that their greens look a bit tired all the time.

The containers of spices, nuts, seeds and dried fruit are much better priced than general and organic supermarkets. The veges and fruit are fairly priced with a few great deals every visit. The loose salad leaves are cheap for NY; the cherry tomatoes are often $1.99. Not thrilled with their olives. Also cheese, oils, candy. I once bought dark green French lentils at the Chelsea Market Italian import shop, only to find them much cheaper here. It's that kind of place - deals on obscure stuff. For a smallish shop you can sure stock your fridge. Yey. And they have gorgeous carved pumpkins outside at Hallowe'en. Cash only.

My reaction to most of the places in Chelsea Market is a resounding "meh." Sure, you can buy cupcakes from 4 different shops without going outside, but is that really worth a trip across town? Manhattan Fruit Exchange, though, is so worth the trip. It's like the affordable diamond in the overpriced gourmet rough of the market, and it's one of the few places in the city where I'm surprised every time the cashier rings me up - shouldn't I be paying at least twice that much?? They have a really large produce selection including a lot of organic stuff, bunches of fresh herbs for under a dollar each, dried mushrooms, spices, nuts, dried fruits I never knew could be dried (like cantalope, yum), dried beans, and it's all really well-priced... only downside is they don't take credit cards. Bring cash, but you won't need much.

The prices can be hit or miss, but the selection is always great. Whenever I'm in the mood to try a new fruit or vegetable (which is pretty often), this is one of my go-to spots. Recently I've enjoyed their nopales (cactus leaves), purple potatoes and brown beech mushrooms. Things like herbs may not seem that cheap until you pick up a bunch of basil or cilantro and realize it's twice the size of what you get elsewhere. Yes, it's cash only, but I'm generally shocked at how much I get for so little $. I just wish they were open later. Edit: They take credit cards now!

Great convinent small store packed with amazing fresh fruit and veggies. This place is also very well stocked in condiments and spices (also mushrooms!) There are a lot of rare and not your everyday variety of vegitables and fruits which makes this place extra special! It fits perfectly in Chelsea market and is my goto for groceries. I really wish Chelsea market open till 10 or 11pm but can't complain :)

Everything you want. Sometimes before you knew you wanted it. How can there be so much goodness packed into such a small space? The only thing bad thing I could possibly say about this place is that their chocolate section needs some serious work.

Finally incorporated some of my grocery shopping from this store. Nice selection of potatoes and other veggies. Bananas were being sold in plastic bags but they looked very fresh. They also sell Tonnino brand canned tuna which is some of the best you can find. I found everyone helpful. I wouldn't expect Whole Foods service as this isn't a billion dollar chain but you will get slightly lower prices. Some of the low points involved the freshness of some items and how tightly spaced everything is. Can you please get new garlic? Yea the bagged garlic that looks like its the same stuff from 2010! You can find the best dairy at Ronnybrook and a lot of other stuff from Buonitalia a few doors down so pick and choose here.

I've lived in Chelsea for over 2 years, but never ventured into Manhattan Fruit Exchange. I assumed it would be overpriced, like most of Chelsea Market...but they actually have a GREAT selection of fresh fruits/veggies at affordable prices (comparable to whole foods/trader joes). They carry some other basic grocery items (ie. pasta, oils, spices, cheese) of varying prices. Be prepared to look around in a tight space, but I got some yummy stuff! I've read the line can get long, but I went on a Tuesday night and waited less than 5 minutes to get to the register.

I am so tired of standing in line here while the cashiers chatter with one another. The customers are not at all happy especially the ones on their lunch hour. The prices are way up, and the food, to me, is often not fresh. It used to be soooo much better. My biggest peeve is that bundles of vegetables, like asparagus, though priced per pound weigh just enough over a pound to be irritating. This seems to me to be intentional, becuase they are so consistently over. The other day a package of spinach was $2.49 here while down the street the same was $1.29. I suggest you check their prices and make your purchases carefully. This place in my opinion needs a major management change .

A convenient fruit and vegetable mart for when I'm in the area, Manhattan Fruit Exchange has expanded over the years to becoming also a cheesemonger. Sales here can net bargains on fruit in season and prices are competitive and sometimes way cheaper than a Whole Foods. I've never tried the salad bar except for the guacamole, which is one of the best I've ever tasted. I also love the large selection of fresh herbs and different little potatoes, one of my favorite reasons for coming here. I like coming in here when I'm in the Chelsea Market just to look at the colorful displays even when I don't want to brave the long lines. Staff tends to be more on the slower and brusque side than cheerful, though you do get cranky efficiency at times.

yum. great place for veggies, fruits, cheeses and juice. prices are good and if you can't find it here, it's probably not legal to import into the united states.