There must be something in the air because not one, not two, but three high street coffee chains have now launched drinks featuring the up-and-coming ingredient ube, and we’re equal parts intrigued and impressed.
The latest to hop on the purple train is Starbucks, which has just unveiled its spring menu and it is an ube-xtravaganza. The spotlight is firmly on the vibrant purple yam, known for its subtly sweet, nutty and vanilla-like flavour, not to mention that eye-catching lilac hue. After seeing it pop up at Pret last year and Costa *literally* launching their own version (on the same day as Starbucks, no less), it feels like ube was always destined for the spotlight.
Landing next Thursday 5 March is Starbucks’ brand-new Ube Vanilla Velvet Latte range, and it’s not just one drink and be done with it. There are actually five different variations built around the flavour. You can opt for a classic coffee version, a matcha twist or even a frappuccino style, meaning both espresso lovers and matcha maniacs get their moment.
The drinks blend smooth vanilla with the gentle nuttiness of ube, finished with Starbucks’ signature blonde espresso. The result is bold in colour but surprisingly balanced in flavour. It’s sweet, yes, but not cloying. In fact, out of the three high street launches we’ve tried, Starbucks is our favourite version. The coffee still shines through, with the ube adding a soft, creamy note rather than overwhelming the drink. And let’s be honest, the purple swirl alone makes it so pretty for Instagram.
But it’s not just about the drinks. The spring bakery line-up is very strong too. Think a cinnamon bun topped with orange-infused cream cheese icing, a raspberry jam and custard doughnut, and a pistachio scroll that’s part croissant, part bun and pretty darn delicious.
If waiting until 5 March feels too long, there’s good news. Starbucks Rewards members can get an exclusive first taste of the full Ube Vanilla range from today, before it rolls out nationwide in participating stores next week.
Mel is the Senior Food & Drink Writer for Good Housekeeping UK, covering all the delicious new product launches that come her way, writing about food and drink topics, and curating gift guides for the best foodie products to buy. Alongside that, she can be found developing and creating cocktails for GH and holds her WSET Level 2 in Wine and Spirits. She was part of the Good Housekeeping Institute food testing team for over four years before moving over to the digital side, so knows a thing or two about great food products. You'll find her scouring the supermarket shelves in her spare time for new and exciting ingredients to experiment with in her kitchen.
