There was a time when matcha reigned supreme on café menus and Instagram feeds. Its vibrant green hue symbolised wellness, mindfulness, and trend-forward eating. But lately, a new colour has taken centre stage a rich, velvety purple. That colour belongs to ube, the Filipino purple yam, now turning heads in its powdered form. This article takes a close look at why ube powder is increasingly replacing matcha in everything from lattes to baked treats. We’ll dive into its flavour profile, nutritional value, versatility, and why food lovers and chefs alike are reaching for purple instead of green. Whether you’re a curious cook, a café owner, or someone exploring new ingredients, this is your go-to breakdown on the ube uprising and why it might just deserve a permanent place in your kitchen cupboard.
What is ube powder and how is it made?
Ube (pronounced “oo-beh”) is a variety of purple yam native to the Philippines. Known for its sweet, nutty flavour and vibrant hue, ube has long been a staple in Filipino desserts. In its powdered form, it becomes a versatile pantry ingredient, used globally in drinks, cakes, doughs, and more. The process of turning fresh ube into powder involves steaming the root, drying it at low heat, and grinding it into a fine, shelf-stable form. This transformation not only extends the yam’s shelf life but also makes it easier to incorporate into recipes. Unlike fresh ube, the powder form doesn’t require peeling, chopping, or pre-cooking it’s ready to mix into just about anything. You can find premium quality ube powder through suppliers such as ube purple yam, which offer organic, additive-free versions that retain the natural colour and flavour of the tuber.
What sets ube apart isn’t just its colour; it’s the depth of taste. While matcha offers an earthy, grassy flavour, ube is warm, sweet and slightly nutty often described as tasting like a blend of vanilla and coconut with a hint of pistachio. This flavour versatility is a big reason why chefs are swapping their green powders for purple. Ube works just as well in sweet and savoury dishes, offering a natural vibrancy that doesn’t come with bitterness.
Why ube is trending: the shift in culinary culture
The rise of ube powder is not just a coincidence it’s the result of several converging trends. First, global interest in Filipino cuisine has surged over the past few years. Dishes like halo-halo and ube halaya are now found far beyond Southeast Asia, and with them, interest in ube has grown. Second, there’s a growing demand for natural, plant-based colourants. Matcha held this role for a while, but ube’s purple tone adds both novelty and aesthetic appeal to social media-savvy foods.
In the UK especially, searches for “how to use ube powder in baking” and “ube powder for ice cream” have exploded not just in the Filipino community but across a wide demographic of home bakers and food influencers. Another reason for its rise? Flavour fatigue. Matcha, once exotic, has become mainstream. Ube offers something new. Its taste feels nostalgic yet unexplored, exotic yet comforting. It also blends well with other trending flavours like coconut, pandan, and black sesame further fuelling its adaptability in cafés and bakeries.
Health benefits: is ube powder good for you?
Beyond aesthetics and taste, ube powder boasts genuine nutritional benefits. It’s high in complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and antioxidants like anthocyanins the same pigment group found in blueberries and red cabbage. These compounds are known for supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. In comparison, matcha is rich in catechins (especially EGCG), giving it antioxidant and metabolic-boosting properties. However, ube offers a gentler nutritional profile, particularly suitable for those avoiding caffeine or looking for something more digestible.
Common health perks of ube powder:
- rich in vitamin C
- supports healthy digestion
- promotes sustained energy release
- natural source of anthocyanins
- low in fat and sugar
What’s important is that ube powder is minimally processed, especially when sourced organically. It fits comfortably within clean-eating trends and appeals to consumers looking for health-conscious alternatives without giving up taste or fun.
How to use ube powder in everyday recipes
Using ube powder is remarkably easy. You can reconstitute it with water or milk to make a paste for desserts, or mix it directly into doughs and batters. Its adaptability is one of the key reasons why people are switching from matcha. Whether you’re making doughnuts, custards, pancakes, or ice creams, ube powder integrates smoothly and offers that unmistakable colour and flavour.
Popular uses in modern cooking:
- ube pancakes and waffles
- ube cheesecake and tarts
- ube-infused milk tea
- purple yam smoothies
- ube mochi and doughnuts
In beverage menus, ube powder lattes are rivalling matcha lattes especially among younger consumers looking for something bold, colourful, and naturally sweet. Its low bitterness makes it a favourite for sweet drinks, often paired with coconut milk or oat milk for added creaminess.
Where to find high-quality ube powder in the UK
Availability used to be a challenge, but no longer. Today, it’s easier than ever to buy ube powder in the UK, especially with the rise of niche online grocers. When sourcing ube, always check for these features:
- organic certification
- no artificial dyes
- short ingredient list
- vibrant purple colour
- fine, smooth texture
One of the standout suppliers is Organic Ube UK, offering high-grade ube purple yam powder with no additives. Supermarkets like Whole Foods, online retailers like Amazon, and Filipino grocery shops now stock it too. But quality can vary, so read reviews and check for proper storage instructions ideally, ube powder should be kept in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Also, beware of confusing ube with taro. While both are purple tubers, their flavour and texture differ. Taro is starchier and less sweet, making it a poor substitute for true ube in recipes.
Final thoughts on the ube revolution
Ube powder didn’t just appear overnight it slowly made its way into the hearts (and recipes) of adventurous cooks, health-conscious foodies, and café culture enthusiasts. Its striking colour, gentle sweetness, and nutritional perks make it a worthy contender if not a successor to matcha. Whether you’re already in love with ube or just curious to try something new, this vibrant yam offers a rainbow of possibilities. Have you tried it in your coffee yet, or added it to your next batch of muffins? Drop us a line we’d love to hear how you’re using ube in your own kitchen.
