Currently, ube appears on menus at 95 chains nationwide. Major brands have embraced this vibrant purple yam — Starbucks even tested ube offerings at its Reserve locations and rolled out an Ube Vanilla Velvet Matcha Latte in Europe. Meanwhile, Costa Coffee introduced a Sweet Ube Frappe and Hot Chocolate in the UK.

The Philippines exported nearly 1.7 million kilograms of ube in 2025, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. Yet, this booming export doesn’t mask a troubling trend: production of ube in the Philippines is declining by close to 2%. As demand rises globally, what does this mean for local farmers?

Ube has found its way into various products beyond traditional desserts. King’s Hawaiian and Van Leeuwen recently launched an Ube Coconut ice cream and an ice cream sandwich — a testament to its versatility. The yam’s unique flavor profile has also led to its incorporation into chilled and shelf-stable desserts in Japan and diverse pastries and beverages in China.

The global supply chain has begun substituting purple sweet potatoes for ube amid these production challenges. Observers are left wondering how this shift will affect the authenticity of dishes that rely on ube’s distinct taste.

As ube continues to gain traction, consumers can expect to see more innovative uses of this ingredient across various sectors. The dessert landscape is evolving; ice cream lovers can look forward to new flavors inspired by this vibrant root vegetable.

The post Ube Takes the Spotlight: Surpassing Matcha in Popularity appeared first on News Canada.

On March 19, 2026, Dairy Queen will celebrate its annual Free Cone Day across Canada, a tradition that has delighted fans since its inception in 2015. Last year, the beloved ice cream chain gave away an impressive 5 million free cones, bringing the total to 38 million cones distributed since the event began. This year, customers can enjoy one small vanilla cone per person, while supplies last, at all Dairy Queen locations, except those situated in shopping malls.

Maria Hokanson, a spokesperson for Dairy Queen, expressed the spirit of the event, stating, “Free Cone Day is all about celebrating the simple joys – warmer weather, a classic vanilla cone, and the happiness that comes from sharing a smile.” This sentiment resonates with many Canadians who look forward to this sweet treat as a herald of spring.

In addition to the free cones, Dairy Queen offers customers the option to add a dipped coating for just $1. This small upgrade not only enhances the experience but also supports a noble cause, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Since 2003, Dairy Queen has raised over $1 million for Corewell Health Children’s Hospital, showcasing its commitment to community health and well-being.

Dairy Queen’s history in Canada dates back to 1953, when it opened its first store in Estevan, Saskatchewan. This long-standing presence has made it a staple in Canadian culture, with Free Cone Day becoming a cherished event for families and ice cream lovers alike.

As the countdown to Free Cone Day begins, anticipation builds among loyal customers and new fans alike. Lou Romanus, another representative, emphasized the importance of this day, saying, “This day is a heartfelt thank you to both loyal and new DQ fans across Texas.” While the quote references Texas, it reflects a broader sentiment that resonates with Dairy Queen patrons across Canada.

With the event just around the corner, observers are eager to see how many cones will be given away this year. Last year’s impressive figure of 5 million sets a high bar, and many are curious if Dairy Queen can surpass that number in 2026. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional promotions or surprises that may accompany this year’s Free Cone Day.

As Dairy Queen prepares for this much-anticipated day, it continues to foster a sense of community and joy through its delicious offerings and charitable initiatives. The combination of free ice cream and support for children’s health makes Free Cone Day a sweet occasion that many Canadians eagerly await each year.

The post Dairy Queen Free Cone Day Canada: A Sweet Tradition Continues appeared first on News Canada.