There’s a moment every year where we all take a breath and think: ‘spring is here’. The mornings and evenings get lighter. That heavy winter coat you’ve been wearing since November becomes a bit too warm. And life begins to change colour.
Brown becomes green. Trees blossom. Roadsides fill up with flowers. And your local Starbucks coffeehouse turns…purple. That’s right: purple. Because this season, there’s a new taste in town. And it comes with a spectacular splash of colour.
U-yay
Ube (pronounced oo-beh) is a purple yam known for its striking look. Yet while its violet hue might catch your eye first, ube’s appeal runs a lot deeper than aesthetics.
This is an ingredient brimming with heritage and packed with flavour. In fact, long before it appeared on café counters and social feeds, it was a staple of national culture and family dinner tables all over the Philippines.
For centuries, ube has been a beloved ingredient in Filipino cuisine, adding its gently sweet, nutty taste to everything from desserts and cakes to ice cream and sweets. First launched in US Reserve Starbucks stores last spring, its now launching across Starbucks menus in Europe, and for many people it’s a taste as fabulous and familiar as home.
Spring blooms
So this year, we’re taking inspiration from ube’s rich heritage to get your spring vibes in bloom. The Ube Vanilla range is a delicious collection of coffee, matcha tea and Frappuccino® blended beverages that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.
Like the Ube Vanilla Velvet Latte, where Ube Vanilla-flavour sauce is expertly blended with Starbucks Blonde® espresso and steamed milk, then finished with a layer of silky Ube Vanilla-flavour cold foam. The result is a beautifully balanced drink with new and exciting taste, eye-catching layers and an unmistakable pop of purple.
If you love a macchiato or matcha, you can also give it a colourful Ube Vanilla twist. The Ube Vanilla Velvet Matcha Latte, Iced Ube Vanilla Velvet Matcha Latte and Iced Ube Vanilla Macchiato infuse everyday orders with the new taste of spring. There are even special ube-inspired coffee and cream options available for Frappuccinos®.
In the mood for something new/old
So why ube, why now? For many of us, global flavours have never felt more accessible. Travel lets us try new tastes while our FYPs keep us curious about what’s coming next and what went before.
But before we get too deep about it, let’s also celebrate a simpler pleasure. After winter’s muted tones and chilly climes, there’s something wonderfully light and joyful about lifting a cup crowned in vibrant violet foam. Spring is the season of renewal and ube is an ancient yam with a fresh story to tell.
