What is the difference between ube and taro?

Ube is a purple yam native to the Philippines, known for its sweet, nutty flavor and naturally vivid violet color. Taro is a starchy root found across Asia and the Pacific, with a more subtle, earthy taste and a pale lavender-gray color (often dyed to look brighter). So in the ube latte vs taro latte debate, ube wins on sweetness and color — taro leans earthy and mild.

Does a taro latte taste like ube?

Nope. While they may look similar (especially when colored with powder), they taste totally different. Taro lattes are more neutral — creamy and starchy, almost tea-like. Ube lattes taste sweeter, nuttier, and richer. If your latte tastes like dessert, it's probably ube. If it’s more mellow or has a slight oatmeal vibe, it’s taro. That's the biggest taste clue in the ube latte vs taro latte match-up.

Which is sweeter, ube or taro?

Ube is naturally sweeter. That’s why it’s used in desserts like halaya, ice cream, and yes — lattes. Taro is more neutral and needs sweetener to shine in drinks. So if you want something sweet right out of the blender, go ube. If you're after subtle flavor or want to control the sweetness, taro might be your pick.

Can I substitute ube for taro in drinks?

Technically, yes — but expect a major shift in flavor. Substituting ube for taro will make your drink noticeably sweeter and more vibrant. If you’re after that earthy, milder flavor typical of taro, ube will overpower it. In the ube latte vs taro latte swap game, ube is the more assertive flavor and color.

Ube Latte vs Taro Latte – 5 Key Differences You’ll Taste

Description

Compare ube latte vs taro latte with these solo-sized recipes. One is sweet and nutty, the other earthy and creamy — perfect for your mood.

Ingredients

1 tbsp ube halaya or 1 tsp ube extract

1 tbsp taro powder

3/4 cup milk (oat, dairy, or coconut)

Optional: honey or vanilla extract

Ice or hot water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Add ube halaya or taro powder to a mug.

2. Pour in 2 tbsp hot water and whisk until smooth.

3. Add warm milk (or pour over ice if making iced).

4. Stir, taste, and adjust sweetness if needed.

5. Top with extra foam or a dash of cinnamon, if you fancy.

Notes

Freeze leftover ube or taro base in an ice tray for later use.
Use unsweetened milk to better control flavor.
Start with half the powder — some are sweetened.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mug
Calories: 120
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: ube latte vs taro latte, solo latte, purple drink