How to Make the Perfect Ube Latte

The Ube Latte is the purple drink taking coffee shops worldwide by storm. Made from ube powder from the Philippines (Dioscorea alata), this indulgent latte charms with its notes of toasted hazelnut, vanilla and caramel, all without a drop of caffeine. Whether you prefer it hot and comforting or iced and refreshing, preparation takes just 2 minutes.

In this complete guide, you'll discover the classic 4-step recipe, 6 creative variations, the nutritional benefits of this drink and all the tips for a creamy latte worthy of a professional barista. All with Ube Nolia powder, Europe's reference for premium ube.

Where does the Ube Latte come from?

Ube, also known as purple yam, is a root vegetable consumed for centuries in the Philippines. This Filipino drink originates from traditional desserts like halo-halo and ube halaya. The Ube Latte as we know it today was born in coffee shops in Manila and Los Angeles in the early 2020s, driven by the wave of colourful drinks on Instagram and TikTok. The hashtag #ubelatte has accumulated hundreds of millions of views, propelling this purple latte into trendy cafés in New York, London, then Paris. Considered the hottest new drink trend, the Ube Latte is still a discovery for many in Europe, making it a real opportunity for baristas and flavour enthusiasts.

Ube Latte: the classic 4-step recipe

You don't need to be a barista to nail an Ube Latte. Here's our recommended method, tested and approved by hundreds of customers. Total time: about 2 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 heaped teaspoon of Ube Nolia powder (5 g)
• 30 ml hot water (not boiling, around 70-80 °C)
• 200 ml milk of your choice (oat milk recommended for best foam)
• Optional: honey, agave syrup, coconut sugar

The 4 steps

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Iced Ube Latte: the summer recipe

The iced version of the Ube Latte is the most shared on Instagram and TikTok. The purple-white gradient looks spectacular in a clear glass. Here's how to nail it:

• Fill a tall glass with ice cubes (a double-walled clear glass is ideal for the visual effect).
• Prepare the ube base: 5 g of powder + 30 ml hot water, mix well.
• Pour cold milk directly over the ice.
• Gently add the ube base on top. Don't stir yet to keep the marbled effect.
• Photograph it (mandatory), then stir and enjoy.

The trick for a perfect gradient: pour the ube base slowly over the back of a spoon so it glides gently over the milk. The purple-white contrast creates an irresistible visual.

6 creative Ube Latte variations to try

The classic Ube Latte is already delicious, but ube powder lends itself to many variations. Here are our favourites:

1. Ube Latte with honey and ginger

Add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of freshly grated ginger to the ube base before adding milk. Honey softens, ginger warms and brings out the vanilla notes. Perfect for winter mornings.

2. Ube Latte mint-lemon (iced)

Ultra-refreshing version: add a few mint leaves and the zest of half a lemon to the glass before pouring the iced Ube Latte. The result is refreshing, with a pleasantly surprising minty aroma.

3. Ube Chai Latte

Steep a chai tea bag in 30 ml of hot water for 2 minutes. Remove the bag, add Ube Nolia powder, mix, then top with frothed milk. Chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, clove) pair remarkably with ube's aromas.

4. Ube Smoothie Bowl

Blend 5 g of Ube Nolia powder with a frozen banana, a handful of red berries (raspberries, blueberries) and 100 ml of almond milk. Pour into a bowl, top with granola, shredded coconut and fresh fruit. A complete, antioxidant-rich breakfast.

5. Ube White Chocolate

Melt 20 g of white chocolate into hot milk before adding the ube base. White chocolate's sweetness creates an ultra-indulgent dessert drink, perfect for an afternoon treat.

6. Ube Matcha Swirl

Prepare a matcha base and an ube base separately. Pour them simultaneously into the glass for a spectacular purple-green swirl. Matcha's vegetal flavours contrast with ube's sweetness. The ultimate Instagram shot.

Which milk for a creamy Ube Latte?

Your milk choice directly affects your Ube Latte's texture and taste:

Oat milk remains our top pick: it froths easily, doesn't mask ube's flavours and suits vegan diets.

Ube Latte benefits: more than a pretty drink

The Ube Latte isn't just photogenic. Ube Nolia powder, made from 100% natural Dioscorea alata, packs real nutrients into every cup:

• Zero caffeine: enjoy morning, noon or night with no impact on sleep. Ideal for pregnant women, children and caffeine-sensitive individuals.
• Rich in manganese (155% NRV): essential mineral for energy metabolism and bone health.
• Natural antioxidants: anthocyanins (1,100 mg/100 g) protect cells against oxidative stress, 7 times more than blueberry.
• Source of fibre (8.8 g/100 g): supports digestive comfort and satiety.
• Essential minerals: copper (64% NRV), iron (31%), magnesium (25%), calcium (21%), phosphorus (22%), potassium (26%).
• Sustained energy: complex carbohydrates provide stable energy with no sugar spikes or crashes.
• No added sugar, gluten-free, vegan: suits all dietary requirements.

Each Ube Latte cup is roughly 20 kcal (with 5 g powder, excluding milk). Less than a sweetened espresso. 33 drinks per 100 g pouch, under €0.75 per cup.

Our tips for the perfect Ube Latte

• Water temperature: 70-80 °C, not boiling. Water that's too hot can alter ube's purple colour and aromas. Boil, then wait 30 seconds.
• Dissolving: always dissolve the powder in a little hot water before adding milk. This is the key to avoiding lumps and getting perfect foam.
• Electric frother: it makes all the difference. A milk frother delivers that signature creamy texture. The Ube Nolia frother is designed for this exact purpose.
• Dosage: 5 g (one heaped teaspoon) per 200 ml of milk. Adjust to 3 g for a lighter latte or 7 g for an intense version.
• Storage: keep the pouch tightly sealed, in a dry place away from light. The powder keeps for 24 months.

Where to buy ube powder for your latte

Online: ube-nolia.com ships within 24h with free delivery from €34. Every order includes a 50-recipe e-book. The 100 g pouch makes 33 lattes, under €0.75 per cup.

In store: Ube Nolia is available in over 800 outlets across France and Europe: pharmacies, fine grocers and coffee shops.

For professionals: 1 kg, 5 kg and 10 kg formats available with COA and TDS per batch. Perfect for baristas, pastry chefs and restaurateurs wanting to add the Ube Latte to their menu.

Where to enjoy an Ube Latte in Europe?

More and more coffee shops and tea rooms are adding the Ube Latte to their menu, particularly in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux. To find a stockist near you, check our retailer map: it lists over 800 locations across France and Europe, including many coffee shops serving Ube Lattes. If your favourite café doesn't offer it yet, suggest it to them: Ube Nolia powder is available in professional formats, and many baristas adopt it once they've tried it. In the meantime, the simplest way to enjoy an Ube Latte is to make it at home: 2 minutes, one teaspoon of powder, and the result rivals any coffee shop.

FAQ: Making an Ube Latte

How long does it take to make an Ube Latte?

About 2 minutes: 30 seconds to dissolve the powder, 30 seconds to pour milk, 20 seconds of frothing, and it's ready.

Can I make an Ube Latte without a frother?

Yes, but it won't be as creamy. You can use a hand whisk, a sealed shaker (shake well for 30 seconds) or a blender. An electric frother remains the fastest and most effective option.

Does the Ube Latte contain caffeine?

No. Ube Nolia powder is 100% Dioscorea alata, naturally caffeine-free. You can enjoy it in the evening with no risk to your sleep.

What does an Ube Latte taste like?

Ube has a naturally sweet flavour with notes of toasted hazelnut, vanilla and caramel. No bitterness, unlike matcha or coffee. That's what makes it so popular with people who dislike bitter drinks.

Is the Ube Latte suitable for children?

Yes. Caffeine-free, no added sugar, free from the 14 major EU allergens, vegan and gluten-free. A drink suited to the whole family.

How many lattes from a 100 g pouch?

About 33 lattes (at 3 g per cup for a light latte) or 20 lattes (at 5 g for an intense one). Between €0.45 and €0.75 per cup.

The Ube Latte in summary

The Ube Latte ticks every box: indulgent, healthy, photogenic and ready in 2 minutes. Ube Nolia powder, 100% natural and Eurofins-tested (566 pesticides, zero residue), guarantees a premium latte every time. Caffeine-free, no added sugar, no bitterness. 33 drinks per pouch. Under €0.75 per cup.

All that's left is to pick your favourite milk and get started.

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