Costa Goes Purple: What Is Ube and Can You Use It at Home?

If you have spotted a bright purple drink or dessert on the menu at Costa Coffee recently, you may have found yourself asking one simple question: what exactly is ube?

It sounds trendy, looks Instagram-friendly, and has quickly become one of the most talked-about ingredients in cafés and dessert bars. 

But ube is far from new. In fact, it has been a much-loved staple in Filipino cooking for generations.

Now, with major chains like Costa Coffee embracing it, ube is having a very colourful moment in the UK.

So, What Is Ube?

Ube (pronounced oo-beh) is a purple yam originally from the Philippines. It is often confused with purple sweet potato, but the flavour is quite different.

Ube has a naturally sweet, slightly nutty, vanilla-like taste with hints of pistachio and white chocolate. Its vivid purple colour makes it instantly recognisable and extremely popular in desserts and drinks.

It has long been used in traditional Filipino treats such as ube halaya (a sweet jam), cakes, pastries, ice cream, milkshakes, and breads like ensaymada.

Unlike some food crazes that are all style and no substance, ube genuinely tastes as good as it looks.

Why Is Costa Using It?

Coffee chains are always looking for the next seasonal flavour trend, and ube ticks every box.

It is visually striking, naturally sweet, and offers something different from the usual caramel, vanilla, and pumpkin spice rotation. It also appeals to younger customers who enjoy trying new flavours and sharing eye-catching drinks on social media.

Purple lattes and iced ube drinks are especially popular because they stand out instantly in a crowded coffee market.

For Costa, it is a smart move. For customers, it is a chance to try something a little different without needing a passport to Manila.

It also tastes delicious!

Can You Use Ube at Home?

Absolutely, and it is easier than many people think.

You can buy ube in several forms:

ube extract

ube jam (ube halaya)

frozen grated ube

ube powder

fresh purple yam (less common in the UK)

Ube extract is often the easiest starting point for home bakers, especially for cakes, cheesecakes, pancakes, frostings, and milkshakes.

Ube jam is perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or stirring into porridge for something a bit different.

Even a simple ube latte can be made at home by mixing ube powder or jam with warm milk and a little sweetener.

Where Can You Buy It?

You are most likely to find ube products in Asian supermarkets, Filipino grocery stores, or online through retailers such as Amazon and specialist food shops.

Stores like Wing Yip and independent world food shops often stock ube products, particularly in larger UK cities.

Look carefully at labels, as some products are sold as purple yam flavouring rather than pure ube.

Should You Try It?

If you enjoy sweet, creamy flavours and like trying something beyond the usual coffee-shop choices, ube is definitely worth exploring.

It is fun, versatile, and surprisingly easy to use at home.

And let’s be honest, anything that makes your latte look like it belongs in a fairy tale probably deserves at least one try. 

Purple drinks may come and go, but ube looks like it is here to stay.

Readers of That's Food and Drink can also buy Ube products through our Amazon-powered shop, the link to Ube products is here:- https://amzn.to/4tsgF0B

Let Costa put a Spring in your step this Spring

Costa, the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop, is leaping into Spring with new fresh, tasty products joining and returning to stores nationwide. As we head into a new season, which delicious item will be your Spring go-to? 

Indulgent drinks range made with KITKAT® returns with a Frappé twist 

Costa Coffee is pleased to announce the triumphant return of the scrumptious drinks range made with real KITKAT®.  

Introducing the latest sensation, the irresistible new KITKAT® Frappé, a creamy blended chocolate Frappé, topped with Light Whip and delicious KITKAT® pieces.  

Welcome back the beloved KITKAT® Mocha and the KITKAT® Hot Chocolate. Both drinks are topped with Light Whip and sprinkled with crunchy KITKAT® pieces. 

All drinks from the KITKAT® range are finished with a yummy wrapped KITKAT® Bunny Mini on the side (when served in-store and takeaway), perfect to enjoy later or to share with a friend. 

Signature coffee – Costa-mised 

Get ready to tantalise your taste buds as Costa Coffee unveils the latest syrup for customers to personalise (or Costa-mise) their hot or cold coffee with - the new Cinnamon Bun Syrup. (That's Food and Drink says: "Wow! This sounds perfect!") This syrup is set to elevate the coffee experience with the sweet flavours reminiscent of a freshly baked Cinnamon Bun. 

Available at Costa Coffee stores all over the country, plus Costa Express machines, bring the warmth of a Cinnamon Bun into your cup, wherever you may be! 

Other ways to make your Costa coffee your own is by choosing from a variety of tasty toppings, Light Whip (suitable for vegans), delicious syrups, and sauces. 

What’s more, Costa, the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop is well known for its core coffee offerings, from an Iced Latte to a creamy Cappuccino. But did you know Costa Coffee paved the way for the Flat White fourteen years ago, becoming the first High Street coffee shop chain to introduce the drink in the UK?   

The velvet, luxurious Flat White is a combination of rich espresso and velvety steamed milk, handcrafted in store and finished with a beautiful Florette. Or for something cold, Costa Coffee’s Iced Flat White is served over ice, and topped with a unique layer of cold foam, said to be like sipping on clouds by those in the know, with its deliciously thick and marshmallow-like texture. Delicious!

But there are also some new and exciting savoury additions, too.

There's the new Halloumi and Chargrilled Veg Toastie, with chilli relish and fresh spinach, on multi-seed bread. 

There's the new Chicken N'Duja Toastie. This features roast chicken and ‘Nduja, with roasted peppers, béchamel and tomato & oregano sauce. Finished with mozzarella and mature cheddar, on multi-seed bread.  

The new Roast Chicken and Bacon Sandwich is absolutely perfect for a lunchtime break, with roast British chicken and beechwood smoked bacon, and chicken gravy mayonnaise on delicious, malted bread. 

For those seeking a refreshing and satisfying bite, the new Melon Pot is on the menu, to make snacking a simple delight, featuring juicy Honeydew, Cantaloupe and Watermelon chunks. 

Costa Coffee has launched two exciting breakfast deals for customers to enjoy a pick-me-up in the morning. Choose from either a selected drink and a tasty breakfast bap from £6.49, or a selected drink combined with either a buttery, flaky croissant, or toast from £4.99

Sweet temptations  

Indulge your sweet tooth into an array of mouthwatering treats, including:  

One for the chocolate-lovers is the new Blooming Lovely Chocolate Cake, featuring layers of scrumptious chocolate frosting and which is finished with beautiful white chocolate flowers to celebrate the start of springtime, and yummy sprinkles, too.

Nothing quite says Spring like a nice Carrot cake, and this delicious new and improved Carrot and Walnut Cake is topped and filled across three layers with soft cream cheese butter icing and decorated with smooth walnut nibs.   

Why not pair one of the returning drinks made with KITKAT® with the beloved Chocolate Muffin made with KITKAT® Bunny? This chocolate muffin is filled with KITKAT® flavoured paste and is topped with frosting and a KITKAT® Bunny Mini.  

Perfect for the Easter season, especially when paired with a Flat White, is the Mini Egg Cookie, made with egg shaped solid milk chocolate in a coloured candy shell.   

Why not go for the fan-favourite Chocolate Cornflake Nest, featuring chocolate covered cornflakes in a nest shaped cake, with candy covered chocolate eggs>

On-the-go delights and home enjoyment  

If you're needing some energy or to be refreshed on a Spring walk in the park, head to one of over 14,000 Costa Express machines nationwide to enjoy your favourite cup of barista-quality coffee on-the-go. Prepared with freshly grounded beans and fresh milk, ensuring a consistently high-quality taste. 

Or why not kickstart your day by reaching for one of Costa Coffee’s ‘The Big Latte’ 750ml ready-to-drink coffees?

Offering a bigger size of existing favourite flavours, they are perfect to grab from the fridge on busy mornings when you need a quick pick-me-up. Customers can choose between velvety ‘Latte’ and sweet ‘Caramel Latte’, or for customers who prefer plant-based, they can enjoy the creaminess of the ‘Oat Latte.’  

Some moments are best enjoyed at home, surrounded by the beauty of Spring. With Costa Coffee’s Barista Creations 225g range, customers can enjoy a barista-style Costa Coffee experience at home – offering an amazing 15 coffee servings per tub. Featuring Salted Caramel and Creamy Cappuccino flavours, simply scoop, add hot water, stir and enjoy a deliciously creamy coffee instantly. (That's Food and Drink says: At home? Wow! What a neat idea!")

Naomi Matthews, Food Commercial Director UK & Ireland at Costa Coffee said: “What better way to celebrate an extra day of the year than by visiting a Costa Coffee and trying our new and vibrant Spring menu? We’re excited to welcome the return of the KITKAT® drinks range with an indulgent newcomer, as well as tasty new and returning favourites across our sweet and savoury ranges - Spring has never tasted this good!”  

https://www.costa.co.uk

Costa Coffee welcomes customers with new, exciting Warrington Drive Thru

The UKs Favourite Coffee Shop, Costa Coffee, is thrilled to have opened a new, modern Drive Thru store in Warrington, based at Fortress Boulevard, Burtonwood and Westbrook, WA5 3ZT. 

The new store, which opened on May 13th, offers customers a bright, modern, and uplifting environment, perfect for those morning meet ups or afternoon escapes. Fresh features can be found throughout, including digital menu boards and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas for those sitting in, whilst an efficient Drive-Thru lane awaits for anyone on the go. 

There’s even a new ‘Rinse & Refill’ station so visitors will be able to top up water bottles and clean out reusable cups at no cost. But even better, Costa Club App members, are able to earn an extra ‘Green bean’ when purchasing a drink using reusable cups, meaning they're one step closer to receiving a free drink! Or, for the perfect birthday celebrations, App members can also receive a free slice of cake on their birthday. There are truly amazing offers and rewards all year round! 

Local customers have already been stopping by to enjoy their favourite drinks, perfectly crafted by nine newly recruited and keen team members. And, as the weather warms up, it’s the perfect chance to try some of Costa Coffee’s Summer menu additions, from the new Refreshers range, to one of the new flavourful Pizzettas. 

Jude Brackstone, who is Regional Operations Director at Costa Coffee, says: “It’s really, incredibly exciting to have opened our bright new Drive-Thru here in Warrington. Our amazing team are enjoying meeting the local community and welcoming new Costa customers for a delicious Flat White in-store, or an indulgent Frappé that’s ideal for their journey!” 

The store team are also already busy playing their part in the local community by participating in the Chatty Café scheme, which designates a ‘Chatter and Natter’ table in-store on a weekly-basis, so customers can meet new faces and enjoy conversations with one another. 

Not only that, some of the team from the new Drive Thru were due to undertake a gruelling challenge to raise money for the Costa Foundation by climbing Mount Snowdon on 11th July. The Costa Foundation exists to help improve the life chances of boys and girls in coffee growing communities around the world by providing them with access to a safe and quality education. To date, the Costa Foundation has helped build over 100 schools and educated over 100,00 children. The team can’t wait to share stories with their new customers when they get back. 

The Fortress Boulevard, Warrington store is open from 6am-8pm Monday to Saturday, and 7am-7pm on Sunday, and is available for orders via Click and Collect. To find your nearest Costa Coffee store, click here: https://www.costa.co.uk/locations/store-locator/map  

Scottish Win for Costa Coffee's Barista of the Year's Speciality Drink

Costa Coffee's (www.costa.co.uk) Winner of Best Speciality Drink at this year's Barista of the Year Awards was Boyd Murdock from Scotland with his Cranachan Affogato, an espresso based coffee. He fought off tough competition which was open to all 25,000 barista's worldwide and ended with a final twelve baristas from India, Asia and Europe, after weeks of perfecting the final recipes.

The Winning Drink - A Cranachan Affogato

1 teaspoon Honey
1 small scoop of vanilla icecream
3 teaspoons raspberry coulis
Raspberry syrup
1 teaspoon toasted pin head oatmeal
1 shot of Costa mocha Italia coffee

Layer ingredients into the glass. First add the honey, next the icecream and raspberry coulis. Then sprinkle the oatmeal over the top and drizzle a little of the syrup. At the last minute, add the shot of hot Costa coffee. Serve immediately and enjoy. In this way the coffee stays hot and the icecream doesn’t melt.

Flying the flag for Scotland, Boyd who works at the Ayr Central Costa Coffee store, wanted to prove that great coffee can be found just as easily in a quiet seaside town as it can in a bustling metropolis.

(PICTURED: Boyd Murdoch experimenting with ingredients)