Ingredient

Purple Yam

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Purple yam is often used as a natural food coloring and flavoring agent, lending …

What it is

Purple yam, also known as ube, is a starchy root vegetable native to Southeast Asia. It has a vibrant purple flesh and a sweet, nutty flavor. The yam is typically boiled, baked, or fried before being used in sweet and savory dishes.

Why it's used

Purple yam is often used as a natural food coloring and flavoring agent, lending a distinct purple hue and subtly sweet taste to foods. It is commonly found in desserts like ice cream, cakes, pastries, and jams, as well as in savory dishes like stews and curries.

Health notes

Purple yam is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. While generally considered healthy, like any food, excessive consumption should be avoided. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated similar root vegetables, but specific evaluations for purple yam as a distinct ingredient are not widely publicized.

Allergen info

Purple yam is not one of the nine FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Purple Yam

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.