What is matcha?
Matcha is green tea leaves ground into a very fine powder. Originating in Japan, it has been at the heart of the tea ceremony for centuries. Producing it requires true craftsmanship: the tea plants are shade-grown, concentrating chlorophyll and boosting nutrient levels.
Unlike traditional tea infusions, you consume the whole leaf. Hence its reputation as a superfood.
Its key characteristics:
- Vegetal, slightly bitter taste
- Vibrant deep green colour
- Fine, powdery texture
- Long-lasting energy, with no sudden crash
This last benefit comes from the simultaneous presence of caffeine and L-theanine — a rare combination that provides steady alertness without spikes or crashes.
What is ube?
Ube is a purple yam native to the Philippines. Long reserved for traditional local desserts, it has taken modern pastry and social media by storm thanks to its spectacular colour. But do not reduce ube to its purple hue alone: its flavour is just as remarkable.
Its key characteristics:
- Sweet flavour, with delicate vanilla notes
- Creamy texture once cooked
- Vivid purple colour
- Used almost exclusively in sweet recipes
No caffeine here. Ube can be enjoyed in indulgent treats — lattes, ice creams, cakes — without keeping you awake at night.
Matcha vs Ube: a quick comparison
| Criterion | Matcha | Ube |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Japan | Philippines |
| Type | Powdered green tea | Tuber (purple yam) |
| Flavour | Vegetal, slightly bitter | Sweet, vanilla-like |
| Colour | Bright green | Vibrant purple |
| Caffeine | Yes | No |
| Uses | Drinks, pastries and desserts | Mainly desserts |
| Benefits | Antioxidants, steady energy | Fibre, gentle energy |
The benefits of matcha
A powerhouse of antioxidants
Matcha is rich in catechins, compounds that fight oxidative stress and cellular ageing. Very few foods offer such a high concentration.
Focus and concentration
L-theanine works in synergy with caffeine: you stay alert without any jitters or restlessness. A perfect balance for long working sessions.
Sustained energy
No sudden spikes, no crashes. Matcha releases its energy slowly — perfect for starting your morning or staying focused in the early afternoon.
The benefits of ube
A good source of fibre
Ube supports healthy digestion and makes it easy to add plant-based goodness to your diet, even in sweet recipes.
Natural sweetness
Its naturally sweet flavour reduces the need for added sugar in many recipes. A wholesome alternative to processed treats.
Colour packed with antioxidants
That purple hue is no coincidence: it reflects the presence of anthocyanins, beneficial for cellular health — the very same pigments found in blueberries and red cabbage.
Matcha or ube: a question of taste (and timing)
There is no single right answer here. It all comes down to what you are looking for.
- Do you love vegetal, slightly bitter flavours with character? Opt for Matcha.
- Do you prefer something sweet, comforting, and wonderfully indulgent? → Choose Ube.
And there is nothing stopping you from enjoying both throughout the day: matcha for the morning or an afternoon break, ube for a sweet evening treat.
Which one is right for you?
Want an energising drink rich in antioxidants that supports your focus? Choose matcha.
Looking for a sweet, comforting, indulgent treat? Choose ube.
And if you cannot choose — one energises, the other comforts. There is a place for both.
How to use them in recipes?
Matcha
It blends effortlessly into:
- Lattes (especially delicious with plant-based milk)
- Smoothies
- Bakes: loaf cakes, cookies, financiers
Ube
It shines particularly in:
- Ice creams and sorbets
- Mochis
- Cheesecakes and custards
Its creamy texture when cooked makes it a natural fit for desserts.
The matcha ube drink: when the two come together
What if you didn't have to choose?
The matcha ube latte is one of today's most popular pairings. The concept is simple: layer the two ingredients in a single glass to create a green-and-purple gradient that is as pleasing to the eye as it is delicious.
In practice, the creamy ube base softens the bitterness of the matcha. The flavours complement each other naturally — the sweet, vanilla-like notes of ube round everything off, while matcha brings depth and character.
How to prepare it?
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp premium matcha powder
- 60 ml hot water (70–80°C, not boiling)
- 1 tbsp ube powder
- 150 ml coconut or oat milk
- 1 tsp agave syrup or honey (optional)
- 6 ice cubes
Instructions:
- Prepare an ube cream by mixing ube powder or paste with plant-based milk (coconut or oat works best)
- Pour it into a glass filled with ice
- Whisk your matcha with a splash of hot water, then gently layer it on top
- Do not stir straight away — let the layers settle
The result is striking, delicious, and nutritionally more balanced than a traditional dessert. You enjoy the antioxidants of matcha, the fibre of ube, and a gentle boost of energy without excess sugar.
A single glass, two distinct worlds. That is precisely what makes it today's trendiest drink.
Tips:
- Use a light coconut milk (not cream) for a smoother, lighter texture
- No chasen? A mini electric whisk works wonderfully
- Hot version available: replace the ice cubes with warm milk poured gently