Ube is not a sweet potato, as they have distinct differences in appearance and flavor. While ube and red yams are often mistaken for sweet potatoes, the two tubers differ in color. Ube has a creamy, off-white skin while its flesh is light purple; meanwhile, sweet potatoes have yellow or reddish-brown skin with orange or white flesh. Additionally, ube has a nutty flavor, while sweet potatoes are much sweeter.