Drinks & Food
Ube: What is it and why is everyone so obsessed?
It’s on our feeds, in our foods and taking over the world, one tastebud at a time. And while you might not be super familiar with this bright purple delight, by the end of this article, you won’t be able to resist giving ube a try.
What is ube?
First things first: what is an ube (say it with us“oo-bay”)?
Basically, it’s a yam from the Philippines. ‘What’s a yam?’ might be your next question. Well, it’s a root vegetable, or a type of tuber (which is where the stem or root of a plant often stores its starchy goodness).
Without getting too scientific, it’s basically a plant that looks kind of like a bright purple sweet potato, but has a slightly nutty flavour.
Let’s get into why Ube’s become everyone’s favourite recently.
Why are ubes so popular?
Just like matcha (which we’ll get into later), Asian cultures have been using ube in both sweet and savoury desserts since way back. But there’s been a recent explosion on social media hailing this brightly-coloured root veggie as the new must-try flavour.
With its slightly sweet vanilla undertone and stunning technicolour, ube stars in desserts like cakes, macarons, donuts and ice cream, and everyone we know can’t get enough of it!
Are we saying that ube’s aesthetic appeal was what brought it into the limelight? …Well, probably! But we can’t deny the appeal of its taste, either.
Ube vs Matcha – who wore it better?
Speaking of lime(light), we wouldn’t blame you for feeling a little bit of deja vu after the explosion in matcha’s popularity just recently.
Asian origin? Tick. Bright colour? Tick. Incredible flavour? Tick.
With so many similarities, if you like one, the chances are you’ll also like the other…
If you love matcha, give ube a try
Since we added matcha to our menu with all its variations (including the Matcha-Misu Latte and the Strawberry Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino®), it’s been one of our best-sellers.
Now that we’re introducing the next Asian-inspired flavour – ube – we highly suggest you head to your local Starbucks on July 1 to give this latest burst of colour to our menu a try.
HOT TIP: Come with the same empty camera roll you reserved for shots of your matcha masterpiece. The vibrant purple is a real show-stopper on the socials.
What ube beverages are available at Starbucks?
From July 1, you’ll be able to order a handful of beverages from the range. The menu contains both hot and iced variations, and you can get your ube beverages in any size you like!
Keen to know what you’ve got to look forward to? Here’s a sneak preview.
Treat yourself to a Crunchy Ube Macchiato
This one’s a real feast for the senses. Once you pull your eyes away from the mesmerising purple, you’ll get to experience the magic of its textures.
The Crunchy Ube Macchiato is a combo of purple ube syrup, layers of Starbucks Blonde Espresso roast, milk of your choice and a sugar-glazed pecan topping. Feel like cooling off? Grab it in iced form. Or, if you’re looking to warm up on a chilly wintry day, order yours hot!
Fancy an ube Frappuccino®?
You just know we couldn’t resist making the ube into our classic Frappuccino®.
There are two variations you can pick from – the Crunchy Ube Cream Frappuccino® or the Crunchy Ube Affogato Frappuccino® . The only difference (beyond the name) is that the affogato-style delight contains Starbucks Blonde Espresso, whereas the cream version doesn’t.
Both are topped with whipped cream and the same delicious sugar-glazed pecan topping you’ll find on the Crunchy Ube Macchiato.
There’s just something about ube syrup
We get it – adding a vegetable to your coffee might sound like we’re entering green juice territory. But don’t worry, this isn’t a wellness cleanse.
The ube we’re using comes in syrup form, so there’s no starchy texture. Just the smooth, creamy notes of vanilla and a nuttiness that makes it taste like a sippable dessert.
Where to order an ube beverage
Okay, so you’re sold on this unconventional root veggie with a bright colour and a fancy name.
When it’s time to taste what the fuss is about, head to your local Starbucks store, or open the Starbucks Australia app and order on your mobile (that also means you’ll get to skip the queue!)
Our baristas have spent plenty of time perfecting their craft and learning just how to make the ube as delicious as possible when in one of our menu items. So if you’re looking for an ube-style beverage, your local Starbucks is the place to head.
Share the ube love
As they say, sharing is caring. If you absolutely adore the taste of your ube-flavoured beverage, why not spread the good word in your group chat? And don’t be shy, share your ube pictures on your socials (don’t forget to tag us at @starbucksau!).
Go one step further and buy an ube beverage for someone in your life who you know will love both the flavour and the sweet surprise.
But don’t wait too long! Like all of our limited edition beverages, the ube range isn’t sticking around forever. And with looks this good, it’s sure to sell out quickly!