The Story Behind Ube: Philippines' Purple Superfood
If you've been following food trends lately, you've probably noticed a stunning purple hue popping up everywhere—from lattes to ice cream to our very own Ube Champorado and Purple Protein Ube Powder Drink. But ube is far more than just a pretty colour. It's a superfood with deep roots in Filipino culture, and today, I'm excited to share its incredible story with you.
What Exactly Is Ube?
Ube (pronounced "OO-beh") is a purple yam native to the Philippines, scientifically known as Dioscorea alata. While it's often confused with purple sweet potato or taro, ube is distinctly different—both in flavour and nutrition.
Key Characteristics:
- Colour: Deep, vibrant purple (thanks to natural anthocyanins)
- Flavour: Subtly sweet with nutty, vanilla-like notes
- Texture: Creamy and smooth when cooked
- Aroma: Delicate and slightly floral
Unlike the earthy taste of taro or the sweetness of purple sweet potato, ube has a unique flavor profile that's both comforting and sophisticated—perfect for both traditional Filipino desserts and modern health-conscious creations.
A Staple of Filipino Heritage
For centuries, ube has been woven into the fabric of Filipino culture. It's not just food—it's nostalgia, celebration, and home.
Traditional Filipino Ube Dishes:
🍰 Ube Halaya - A rich, creamy jam made from mashed ube, coconut milk, and condensed milk. It's the star of many Filipino celebrations, from birthdays to Christmas.
🍨 Ube Ice Cream - Smooth, purple, and utterly addictive. A staple at Filipino gatherings and sorbetes (ice cream) carts.
🍞 Ube Pandesal - The beloved Filipino bread roll gets a purple twist, often enjoyed with butter for breakfast.
🍚 Ube Champorado - A modern take on the classic chocolate rice porridge, combining ube's earthiness with creamy coconut milk. (Yes, this is our signature dish at Siocolat!)
🥧 Ube Cake (Ube Cake) - Fluffy chiffon cake layered with ube halaya and whipped cream—a showstopper at Filipino parties.
Why Ube Is a True Superfood
Beyond its stunning appearance and delicious taste, ube packs a serious nutritional punch. Here's why this purple powerhouse deserves a spot in your diet:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Ube's vibrant purple color comes from anthocyanins—the same antioxidants found in blueberries and red wine. These compounds help:
- Fight free radicals
- Reduce inflammation
- Support heart health
- Protect against cellular damage
2. Low Glycemic Index
Unlike refined sugars and white potatoes, ube has a lower glycemic index, meaning it releases energy slowly and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. This makes it an excellent choice for:
- Diabetics managing glucose levels
- Anyone avoiding blood sugar spikes
- Sustained energy throughout the day
(This is exactly why we chose ube as a key ingredient at Siocolat—delicious AND diabetic-friendly!)
3. High in Fiber
Ube contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which supports:
- Digestive health
- Healthy gut bacteria
- Satiety and weight management
- Regular bowel movements
4. Packed with Vitamins & Minerals
Ube is a natural source of:
- Vitamin C - Immune support and skin health
- Vitamin A - Eye health and vision
- Potassium - Heart health and blood pressure regulation
- Manganese - Bone health and metabolism
5. Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free
Ube is a plant-based root vegetable, making it perfect for vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-conscious diets.
From Filipino Farms to Global Phenomenon
Ube has been a beloved ingredient in the Philippines for generations, but its journey to international fame is a recent—and beautiful—story.
The Ube Renaissance
In the past decade, ube has exploded onto the global food scene, thanks to:
✨ Filipino diaspora sharing their culinary heritage
✨ Social media showcasing its photogenic purple hue
✨ Health-conscious consumers seeking natural, nutrient-dense ingredients
✨ Innovative chefs experimenting with traditional flavours in modern ways
✨ Social media showcasing its photogenic purple hue
✨ Health-conscious consumers seeking natural, nutrient-dense ingredients
✨ Innovative chefs experimenting with traditional flavours in modern ways
Today, you'll find ube in:
- Specialty coffee shops (ube lattes!)
- Artisan bakeries (ube croissants, anyone?)
- Health food stores (ube protein powders)
- Fine dining restaurants (ube-infused sauces and desserts)
But at Siocolat, we believe ube's true power lies in its roots—both literally and culturally.
Why Ube Matters to Siocolat (And to Me)
When I founded Siocolat, I wanted to create more than just sugar-free chocolate. I wanted to honour my Filipino heritage while making healthy indulgence accessible to everyone—especially those managing diabetes. Ube was the perfect choice.
Our Ube Philosophy:
🇵🇭 Heritage: Every product celebrates Filipino culture and flavors
💜 Health: Sugar-free, vegan, and nutrient-dense
🌍 Impact: Supporting Filipino farmers affected by climate disasters
❤️ Purpose: Every purchase feeds a child through UN Share the Meal
💜 Health: Sugar-free, vegan, and nutrient-dense
🌍 Impact: Supporting Filipino farmers affected by climate disasters
❤️ Purpose: Every purchase feeds a child through UN Share the Meal
When you enjoy our Ube Champorado or Purple Protein Ube Powder Drink, you're not just treating yourself—you're:
- Supporting sustainable Filipino agriculture
- Honoring centuries of culinary tradition
- Making a healthier choice for your body
- Feeding a child in need
That's the Siocolat difference.