Starbucks has issued an apology for the rollout of its viral “Bearista” cup.
On Thursday, the popular coffee chain ushered in the holiday season, debuting its menu of seasonal drinks, treats and new, limited-edition merchandise. Included in the drop was the highly sought-after Starbucks Bearista cup, a glass cup in the shape of a honey bear, topped with a silicone, Starbucks-branded beanie and a striped green-and-white straw.
For many, however, the adorable new cup was difficult to come by. Several customers have taken to social media to complain about how the company handled the drop, demanding answers as to why their local Starbucks locations had few Bearistas in stock. Customers have also claimed that Starbucks baristas hoarded Bearista cups for themselves.
The popular coffee chain has since responded to the brewing controversy.
“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations and despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast,” Starbucks told People on Thursday. “We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”
As of Friday afternoon, the Bearista, which is specifically designed for holding cold beverages, was already listed on eBay for as much as $500.
“From cold brew to an iced matcha latte, your drinks have never looked cuter,” reads the description on the Starbucks website. “The Starbucks Bearista glass cold cup brings instant joy to every sip.”
The cup was released with the launch of the popular coffee chain’s 2025 holiday menu, which includes fan-favorite beverages such as the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha and Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, among others.
Here’s everything to know about the buzzy new cup, and the lengths customers are going to get their hands on one.
When was the Starbucks Bearista cup released?
The Bearista cup became available at Starbucks locations across North America on Thursday, Nov. 6.
How big is the Starbucks Bearista cup? How much does it cost?
The Bearista cup holds 20 ounces and retails for $30.
What’s the reaction to the Starbucks Bearista cup been like?
For better or worse, the cup has gone viral. Customers at the coffee chain posted videos on social media showing the chaos that erupted as others tried to get their hands on the Bearista cup, with one person throwing it at another.
In another video, a group of Starbucks customers can be seen fighting over a cup, while another seemed to suggest that customers had tried calling in advance to reserve the cups.
A woman and her mother, who said they stayed up overnight to line up outside their local Starbucks at 4 a.m., claimed that the store’s employees “literally snatched the bear cup in front of our eyes.” Another customer, who said they waited “since 2 in the cold” for a cup, claimed that a Starbucks employee purchased the only one at their location.
“I am trying to figure out why y’all hype this cup up for the last … three weeks to a month only to get about two or three in each location,” a woman on TikTok said. “Starbucks really wasn’t trying to sell us teddy cups today.”
Meanwhile, some customers were lucky enough to be at the right Starbucks at the right time.
Is the Starbucks Bearista cup being resold online?
The Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup. (Starbucks)
Yes. Within a day of the Bearista cup’s release, several have appeared on websites like eBay, where they’re being listed for up to $500.
Some fans of the chain are threatening to take their business elsewhere due to the company’s supposed mishandling of the Bearista cup drop.
“I called all the Starbucks in my area — even further — that have barely opened … and they all said that they’re out of the Bearista cups. The baristas are taking Starbucks cups,” one woman said on TikTok. “Starbucks, you need to do better with your company policies. I know that [employees] are allowed to buy the merchandise, but that goes out to customers first. … I think we’re all done with Starbucks after this, unless you change your policy.”
