Ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines has now become a popular ingredient in food and beverage products due to its vibrant color and creamy texture, with a subtly sweet flavor.
AFBR visit at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 came across 2 companies that focus on ube in their new product developments.
Thailand-based Chef’s Choice Foods Manufacturer Co., Ltd has recently launched in early 2nd quarter this year its Nature Charm’s Ube Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk. Available in standard 320g tin packaging, this sweetened condensed milk product looks like any other except condensed milk except for that vibrant purple packaging which easily captures consumer attention.
Marisa Osonphasop, Managing Director of the company said, “One distinct difference of this condensed milk from other standard brands is that it is dairy-free and gluten-free which makes it suitable for all diets including consumers with food allergies, vegetarians, vegans and celiac.”
Its uniqueness and premium ingredients warrants the high premium recommended selling price of £3.80. The product also has a long shelf life of 2 years and has versatile applications across beverages, desserts and baking similar to conventional condensed milk, but then it is able to churn out unique products like Ube latte, Ube matcha latte, Ube Ice Cream, Ube Cheesecake, Ube Tiramisu, Ube Mochi Brownies, Ube Cookies, you name it!
Nature Charm’s Ube Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk has already been exported to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, U.S., Norway and Netherlands, but the company is still looking for distributors for the product in India and South Africa.
Another interesting innovation using Ube was showcased by Philippine-based Astoria Culinary Expert Services for its Ube Original Beverage Mix. Made with real ube, the drink mix comes in an elegantly designed 250g purple box packaging which contains ten 25g sachets. To prepare a drink, simply place the sachet into a mug and pour 30ml of hot water. This beverage mix can also be used with 120ml of hot milk or coffee or tea.
A company spokesperson mentioned that this beverage mix contains zero calories but high calcium content as well as other nutrients like protein, iron and potassium. It is made from a blend of 100% real ube powder combined with quality ingredients which gives it a flavorful experience.
