Is Ube the Next Big Thing? Starbucks and CU Launch Exciting New Treats!

Kim Do-hun. | 2026.04.28

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Ube Basque Cheesecake[Provided by Starbucks Korea][Provided by Starbucks Korea]

Ube, the purple-hued ingredient that's taken the globe by storm, is suddenly everywhere — and new ube food and drink launches keep popping up. Native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, ube is a purple yam with a gentle sweetness reminiscent of purple sweet potato and a warm, nutty aroma.

CU launches six new desserts and breads featuring purple 'ube'[Provided by BGF Retail][Provided by BGF Retail]

With ube blowing up on social media, convenience-store chain CU announced today (27th) that it will roll out six new ube items. The lineup includes Ube Basque Cheesecake, Ube Glutinous Rice Cake Skewers, Yonsei Milk Ube Fresh Cream Bread, Ube Cheese Pearl Cake, Ube Roll, and Ube Bun. A BGF Retail spokesperson said, "After hits like Dubai chewy cookies, matcha and butter tteok, ube's popularity has been spreading worldwide. We'll introduce a range of products that spark curiosity and deliver a satisfying experience." Earlier, Starbucks Korea began offering the Ube Basque Cheesecake nationwide on the 24th. After a limited release at 100 stores on the 14th drew positive reactions, the chain expanded the offering to all locations. Twosome Place also launched four ube items, including three ube drinks and a spoonable dessert called Ube Abak. #ube #Starbucks #CU #TwosomePlace Yonhap News TV — For story tips and inquiries: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23, Kim Do-heon (dohoney@yna.co.kr)