Ube is everywhere. In the creamy purple lattes we see on Instagram, in desserts that look like works of art, and now... in our mugs in Switzerland.
But what exactly is Ube? Why is everyone talking about it? And most importantly: is it really as good as it sounds?

In this article, we tell you everything : the origin, the taste, why it has become a global trend, and how to use it at home.

💜 What is Ube?

Ube (pronounced oo-bay ) is a purple yam native to Southeast Asia. Very popular in the Philippines, it has been used for generations in desserts, creams, ice cream, cakes, and drinks.

Its distinguishing feature?
✔ An amazing natural purple color
✔ A soft and velvety texture
✔ A subtle taste, easy to love

Ube is not a "weird exotic" food. It's a mild, approachable, warming root, and that's precisely why everyone falls in love with it.

🍰 What does Ube taste like?

Ube has a taste:

• soft

• lightly vanilla

• with a little "biscuit" note

• sometimes a hint of hazelnut

Imagine a delicate, soft, slightly sweet dessert... but natural.

It's a cozy , comforting taste, perfect for winter drinks as well as summer iced lattes.

And contrary to what one might think:
👉 No, it's not purple sweet potato.
Although both are purple, their taste is completely different. The Ube is sweeter, more indulgent, more subtle .

🌈 Why is Ube purple?

The purple color of Ube comes naturally from anthocyanins , the same pigments found in blueberries and blackcurrants.

No artificial coloring:
👉 The powder is naturally purple .
👉 The latte is naturally purple ,
👉 The cakes turn purple naturally .

This is one of the reasons why it went viral:
Ube is beautiful and good.

✨ Why has Ube become so popular worldwide?

Several reasons explain its success:

💜 1. Its photogenic color

A purple latte never goes unnoticed.
Social media loves it → so do coffee shops.

💜 2. Its mild and approachable taste

Unlike matcha, coffee, or stronger flavors,
👉 Ube appeals to almost everyone .

Perfect for adults, children, foodies... there's something for everyone.

💜 3. Its versatility

The Ube can be used everywhere:

• hot and iced lattes

• pastry shop

• waffles, pancakes, cakes

• icings, creams, desserts

💜 4. The search for new gourmet treats

The world loves to try "different" drinks, but not too strange ones.
The Ube ticks all the boxes:
✔ original
✔ beautiful
✔ soft
✔ not intimidating

🥄 How to use Ube at home?

Ube is primarily sold in premium powder form, such as at Keia Tea.

This is the form:
✔ the simplest
✔ the most stable
✔ the quickest to prepare
✔ the most suitable for drinks

Here's how to use it:

☕ 1. Hot Ube Latte

🟣 1 teaspoon of Ube powder
🟣 150-200 ml of milk (dairy or plant-based)
🟣 Whisk → it's ready

You get a latte:

• hot

• creamy

• purple

• lightly vanilla

• no added sugar

🧊 2. Iced Ube Latte

🟣 1 spoonful of Ube powder
🟣 A little hot water to dissolve
🟣 Add cold milk and ice cubes

The result: a magnificent and delicious drink.

🍰 3. Ube in pastry

Perfect for:

• purple cake

• purple pancakes

• waffles

• dessert creams

• icings

• yogurts

The powder is easily incorporated into all preparations.

💜 Ube's Strengths

It can be said that Ube is appreciated for:

• its natural color (anthocyanins)

• its mildness means you don't need to add much sugar

• its comforting side

• its simple & quick use

And above all: it's an ingredient that makes cooking fun and creative .

🛍️ Where to buy Ube powder in Switzerland?

Ube is still rare in Switzerland.
Keia Tea offers a Ube Premium collection in 3 flavors:

• Ube Nature - soft and creamy

• Ube Strawberry - fruity & cute

• Ube Vanilla - cozy & comforting

✔ Naturally purple
✔ No added sugar
✔ Perfect for lattes & pastries

👉 Discover the Ube Keia Tea collection.

❓ FAQ - Ube in 30 seconds

What is Ube?

A purple yam native to Southeast Asia, used in desserts and drinks.

What does Ube taste like?

A mild, slightly vanilla taste, with a biscuity note.

Is the Ube naturally purple?

Yes! Its color comes from natural pigments (anthocyanins).

How to prepare an Ube Latte?

Dissolve one spoonful of Ube powder in hot or cold milk. It takes 10 seconds.

Can Ube be used in pastry making?

Yes, in cakes, pancakes, waffles, icings, etc.

🎉 Conclusion

Ube is not just a trend:
It's a delicious, natural, visually magical and incredibly simple ingredient to use.

This is the perfect opportunity to add a touch of purple (and lots of sweetness) to your everyday life ✨

👉 Discover all Ube Keia Tea powders .