All Starbucks fans have most likely seen the new release of the Starbucks’ Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato drink, in honor of the spring season rolling around. This drink features Ube, also known as purple yam, layered as a cold foam on top of coconut milk and blonde espressos. Many have claimed that they are thrilled about this drink, as it is an opportunity to incorporate and try new flavors of the world in U.S. food chains. However, another side to the story shows the uncomfortability of cultural foods, like Ube, becoming “mainstream” in the U.S. while not maintaining its original cultural roots.
Ube, or purple yam, is a rich root vegetable, famous for its sweet vanilla flavor and flashy purple color native to the Philippines in Southeast Asia. This veggie has become a staple in Filipino cuisine, incorporated in various desserts like Ube Halaya, Halo-Halo and Pandesal. A common misconception mixes up Ube and purple sweet potato as the same foods, but it is important to note that both are two different vegetables. Ube has been a special flavor in the Philippines, loved by most, as it is reported to have a creamy texture when cooked, with nutty vanilla and coconut undertones. These flavors have been known to bring nostalgia to those who have grown up around this food.
Places around the internet like TikTok have people who stated that they are happy about the inclusion of different cultural flavors in their drinks, stating it expands Starbucks’ drink options. This drink has been described as refreshing with various layers, the most prominent being the coconut and blonde espresso mix, leaving the Ube as a sweet undertone. Due to the delivery of the new Ube powder, others have been able to add the Ube to various drinks, including matcha, milk teas and lattes. Overall, the new Ube Macchiato has left Starbucks fans satisfied as a savory interest they are able to enjoy in the form of a drink on a cool, spring afternoon.
Despite the good reviews about this drink, others on the internet and around the world do not feel the same way. Many have reported the Starbucks Ube Macchiato to have little to no resemblance of the real Ube flavor at all, with some reporting a sweet artificial flavor not similar to purple yam. This has sparked controversy amongst Starbucks because of the lack of accuracy in Filipino representation of the Ube, despite being labeled as one. While the Ube Macchiato has been reported to have excited some, others have been upset at the situation which displays itself as favoring the promotion of conventional versions of Ube rather than actual authenticity.
Given the new Ube flavors in Starbucks, mixed opinions have risen across the internet regarding its taste and originality to true Ube taste. Various reports on the drink have left people either content or disappointed, or none at all, showcasing a diverse set of opinions. In the end, the Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato has definitely left its impact on Starbucks fans and lovers.
