What Is Ube? Taste, Origin, Benefits & How to Use Ube Concentrate in Drinks

Ube has quickly become one of the most eye-catching and talked-about flavours in cafés—and it’s not hard to see why. With its vibrant purple colour, naturally sweet flavour, and versatility in drinks, ube is often being called the “new matcha.”

But what exactly is ube, and why is it suddenly everywhere?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from its origins and flavour profile to how to use ube concentrate to create café-quality drinks at home or in your business.

What Is Ube and Where Does It Come From?

Ube is a purple yam, not a fruit. It’s often mistaken for a sweet potato—sometimes referred to as an ube sweet potato—but it’s actually a different root vegetable altogether.

Ube originates from the Philippines, where it has been used for generations in traditional desserts such as ube halaya. Its naturally vibrant purple colour and subtly sweet flavour have made it a staple in Filipino cuisine—and now, a rising star globally.

How Do You Pronounce Ube?

Ube is pronounced: “oo-beh.”

What Does Ube Taste Like?

Ube has a sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty flavour.

• Vanilla-like notes
• A hint of coconut
• A smooth, dessert-style finish

What Does Ube Taste Similar To?

Ube is often compared to:

• Vanilla
• Pistachio
• Coconut

This makes it a highly versatile flavour for drinks.

How Is Ube Made?

Ube is harvested as a root vegetable, then boiled or steamed before being mashed and processed.

It can then be turned into:

• Ube paste
• Ube powder
• Ube concentrate

What Is Ube Concentrate?

Ube concentrate is a highly concentrated form of ube flavour, designed specifically for drinks.

If you're looking to create consistent, café-quality beverages, using a dedicated ube concentrate is the easiest way to get started.

It offers:

• Consistent flavour
• Faster preparation
• Easy mixing in hot and cold drinks

How to Use Ube Concentrate in Drinks

Ube concentrate is perfect for:

• Lattes
• Iced drinks
• Milkshakes

Whether you're recreating drinks typically made with ube syrup for coffee or experimenting with ube syrup for matcha-style drinks, concentrate gives you a richer and more controlled flavour.

For best results, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Easy Ube Latte Recipe

Ingredients:

• Ube concentrate 30 ml
• Milk (oat, dairy, or coconut) 200ml
• Ice cubes

Method:

1. Fill glass with ice cubes 
2. Pour in cold milk
3. Drizzle ube concentrate gently to achieve layered effect
4. Stir gently or as is for visual impact
5. Serve and enjoy!

How Ube Became the New Matcha

Ube’s rise has been driven by:

• Social media appeal
• Café innovation
• A shift toward sweeter, more approachable flavours

Its vibrant colour makes it ideal for visual platforms, while its taste appeals to a broader audience than matcha.

This trend has even been highlighted by the Financial Times, which explores how ube is becoming a serious contender to matcha in modern cafés:

Read the full article here

Is Ube a Superfood? (Health Benefits)

Ube is often considered a superfood due to its natural properties.

It contains:

• Antioxidants
• Vitamin C
• Plant compounds responsible for its vibrant colour

Pro Barista Tips

• Use oat or coconut milk for a creamier texture
• Pour slowly to create layered drinks
• Pair with vanilla or white chocolate for added depth

Why Use Ube Concentrate?

Using a high-quality ube concentrate helps you:

• Achieve consistent flavour
• Save time
• Create visually striking drinks

Ready to Try Ube?

Ube is more than just a trend—it’s a flavour that combines visual appeal, versatility, and strong customer demand.

Explore ube concentrate and start creating your own drinks today