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Now and then, a food trend pops up that takes the world by storm. It started with boba tea, then shifted to matcha, but now attention has turned to purple yam, more commonly known as ube. For many Filipinos, the seasonal root crop is a classic and go-to delicacy used in many local dishes, but the rest of the world is finally catching up. 2026 might be the year of ube, with how everything, from cakes, breads, ice creams, and coffee, now has ube in it, given how versatile it is with its unique flavor profile and striking color.
With its increased international demand, though, comes the fact that ube has become harder to come by these days, especially since it’s only harvested during certain periods of the year. But there are ways to circumvent this while still enjoying its authentic flavor and supporting local farmers with Astoria Philippine Ube Powder.
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Global Quality, Locally Made, Ethically Sourced
With ube having its culinary moment as of late, purple yam has become a lot more popular in professional restaurants and home kitchens. Astoria Philippine Ube Powder offers that same quality flavor in a convenient package. Crafted by a diverse team of food technologists, chefs, farmers, and agricultural specialists, the powder is made from 100% Philippine-grown ube and contains zero colorants, preservatives, or additives, making for a natural ready-to-use staple that retains its signature purple color and can last well into the year.

At the heart of this offering is Astoria’s Farm-to-Table initiative. There were no shortcuts involved with the ube powder as it was sourced from farms across the Philippines to support the local agricultural industry and its workers. This ensures high-quality products while also properly supporting small-scale farmers in the Philippines so that they get their fair share in ube’s growing popularity.
Locally made, properly sourced, and global quality is the name of the game here, and it was further highlighted when the Astoria Culinary Expert Services team joined TUTTOFOOD Milano 2026 in Milan, Italy, to bring the Philippine-made ube powder closer to the international market.

Ube in Its Many Forms
While preparing raw ube might seem like a complicated process only trained chefs can do, Astoria Philippine Ube Powder makes incorporating purple yam into all kinds of dishes easy, safe, and accessible. All that needs to be done is to rehydrate the powder in warm water; then it can be used in a myriad of ways, from pastries, desserts, fillings, and spreads. With a shelf life of up to 18 months and being gluten-free, nut-free, allergen-free, and with no added sugar, you’ll have natural ube ready year-round.
Adding to its versatility, there is also the Astoria Philippine Ube Beverage Mix in Original and Lite, which is made with 100% pure ube using Astoria Philippine Ube Powder. It adds a ube touch to all kinds of drinks that gives each sip a distinctly Filipino flavor.
Trends come and go, but ube is here to stay, and products like these make it available yearly while supporting the local small-scale Filipino ube farmers who make it happen.
For more details, visit Astoria-ACES’ Facebook and Instagram pages.
Featured Image and Photos: ASTORIA

Rafael Bautista
Rafael Bautista is the Senior Pop Culture Writer of MEGA Asia, with a focus on producing articles and features about local and international entertainment, popular culture, and lifestyle.
Before this role, he spent five years in the youth-oriented magazine NYLON Manila, where he served multiple positions, including Deputy Editor, and created stories, profiles, and content on digital and print geared towards a Gen Z audience. In 2025, he was awarded Jr. Deputy Editor of the Year.
With years of experience in digital media, Rafael has an interest and passion for writing about movies, shows, pop culture, and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on titles, trends, and personalities who are making waves in modern culture or are on the cusp of becoming the next big thing people will talk about.
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