Contributing writer - Daya Verdding
UBE'S METEORIC RISE TO FAME
Pronounced: ‘oo-bay’
This Filipino root vegetable has been taking over our timelines this summer, with its powerful purple hue gracing everything from cookies to lattes, and frankly, we can’t get enough (and neither can your customers!).
We love ube not just because of its powerful purple colour. It's delicious. With a super approachable, sweet, soft and nutty flavour profile - think melted vanilla ice cream with subtle earthy undertones - there’s a reason this root has been a staple of Filipino cuisine for over 400 years.
That’s why we couldn’t have been more excited when our pals down under finally let us get our hands on their newest (and purplest) concentrate to date. Say hello to Alchemy’s Ultraviolet Ube Concentrate, the premium and incredibly versatile wholesale drink addition that you’ll be reaching for all summer long. This easy to serve (pour or pump) latte base is fully vegan, dairy, gluten-free and delicious served hot or iced, pairing beautifully with an array of dairy and plant-based milks.
Why is ube taking over your feed (and now your counter!)?
Ube has recently gone from traditional to trending. If you read our Counterculture Trend Report, you’ll know we earmarked ube as a trending ingredient for 2026. Since we launched that report back in December last year, we’ve seen the ingredient go from strength to strength, with its playful colour and nostalgic flavour profile lending itself well to widespread adoption.
- Approachable taste: Ube has a gentle and accessible flavour (we think it’s akin to a melted Mr. Whippy ice cream), which is easily paired with other products, from fruit purees to your favourite espresso blend. Our new Alchemy Ultraviolet Ube Concentrate can be used to effortlessly experiment with a variety of drinks without overwhelming your customers' taste buds.
- Global coffee shop adoption: Major chains have brought the root vegetable to the masses and it's going mainstream! Cafes and coffee shops across the world have introduced ube-based lattes and beverages over the past few months.
- The "Limited Edition" effect: Many coffee shop owners and consumer brands are using this hype to create a craze, dropping sell-out limited-edition ube products. The result? Customers across the globe are actively seeking out drinks and food containing this ingredient.
- Visual Appeal: Ube’s vivid, technicolour hue makes it stand out against other drinks on your menu. With all manner of coffee shop creations performing well across social media platforms, driving curiosity and ultimately sales.
Our ultimate ube recipes:
Now you’ve heard why you should have ube on your drink's menu, now here’s the part where we tell you how to use this purple root!
We know that more and more wholesale ube syrups and powders keep popping up here and there. We’ve chosen to stock Alchemy’s premium Ube Concentrate simply because it’s the best available on the market. Its viscosity make it perfect for quick service, with a 15ml pump or pour delivering both a rich colour and a smooth flavour every single time.
Ube Latte - Hot:
The beauty of this product is it’s just as delicious served with milk as it is with coffee or matcha. No need to add any sugar, this is the ultimate all-in-one product.
If you sell a lot of hot chocolate, this is the perfect creamy, colourful caffeine-free option to add to your menu (with the school holidays fast approaching, we think you might have a new best seller on your hands…).
Made 2 Ways -
Depending on how you do your hot chocolate and how you prefer to work operationally, this concentrate can be used in two ways.
Steam
Pump or pour 15ml of concentrate into your steaming jug, add 250ml of your milk of choice (top tip, we love using coconut milk for a delicious tropical twist) and steam to your heart's content.
This method will result in a perfect purple velvety latte and is perfect for busy coffee shops. If you’re wanting to show off your latte art skills, we’d suggest using the next method below!
Pour & Serve
Pump or pour 15ml of concentrate into your cup (if it’s a touch too thick, we’d recommend adding a splash of water or your steamed milk in first to loosen it up), steam your milk of choice as normal, and create your purple masterpiece.
Iced Ube Latte:
Summer is here, and the iced drinks are flowing. This Iced Ube Latte is a must-have addition to your line-up this season.
Pump or pour 15ml of the Alchemy Ube Concentrate into the bottom of your cup, fill with ice and top up with your milk of choice. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant violet gradient, and voila, your iced drink is ready to serve.
Feeling fancy? We love to go the extra mile and drizzle a little concentrate around the edge of the cup for added purple pizazz.
High margin opportunity
Finally, let's talk margins. If you’re still on the fence as to whether you should take the plunge on this purple root, we’ve done the hard work for you and figured out exactly why you should be serving ube this summer.
Hot/Cold Ube Latte: COG
- 15ml of Ultraviolet Ube Concentrate = £0.42p* (with the introductory offer)
- 250ml of Milk = £0.35p
- Total = £0.77p
- Potential for up to 80% margin
Suggested RRP - £3.50 / £4.50 (depending on location)
With the addition of coffee or matcha, you can easily and comfortably bump up your prices to £5.00 / £6.00.
So, to recap, Alchemy Ultraviolet Premium Ube Concentrate really does have it all, taste, colour and massive profit potential.
