Starbucks has apologized for releasing its viral Bearista cup.
On Thursday, the popular coffee chain kicked off the holiday season by debuting a menu of seasonal drinks, treats and new limited-edition items. The drop included the highly sought-after Starbucks Bearista cup, a glass cup in the shape of a honey bear covered in silicone, a Starbucks-branded cap and a striped green and white straw.
But for many, the adorable new mug was hard to come by. Several customers took to social media to complain about the company’s handling of the drop and demand answers as to why their local Starbucks locations were low on Bearista stock. Customers also reported that Starbucks baristas were hoarding Bearista cups for themselves.
The popular coffee chain has since responded to the brewing controversy.
“Excitement for our merchandise has exceeded even our wildest expectations, and despite bringing more Bearista mugs to coffee shops than almost any other product this holiday season, the Bearista mug and several other items sold out quickly,” Starbucks told People on Thursday. “We understand that many customers were delighted with the Bearista Cup and apologize for any disappointment this may have caused.
As of Friday afternoon, the Bearista, which is specifically designed to hold cold drinks, was already listed on eBay for as much as $500.
“From cold brew to iced matcha lattes, your drinks have never tasted better,” reads a description on Starbucks’ website. “Starbucks Bearista Glass Cold Cup instantly brings joy to every sip.
The mug was released as part of the popular coffee chain’s 2025 launch. holiday menu featuring fan favorites like the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha and Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, among others.
Here’s everything you need to know about the buzzy new mug, and how long customers are going to buy it.
When was the Starbucks Bearista Cup released?
The Bearista Cup became available at Starbucks locations across North America on Thursday, November 6th.
How big is a Starbucks Bearista cup? How much does it cost?
The Bearista mug holds 20 ounces and retails for $30.
What has been the reaction to the Starbucks Bearista Cup?
For better or worse, the cup spread. Customers of the coffee chain posted videos on social media showing the chaos that ensued as others tried to get their hands on a Bearista cup and one person threw it at another.
Another video shows a group of Starbucks customers fighting over a cup, while another appears to show customers trying to call ahead to reserve cups.
A woman and her mother, who said they stayed up all night to queue at a local Starbucks at 4am, claimed staff at the store “literally tore the bear’s cup out in front of us”. Another customer, who said he had been waiting for a cup “since 2 years in the cold,” claimed a Starbucks employee purchased the only one at his location.
“I’m trying to figure out why you’ve been promoting this mug for the last … three weeks to a month to get about two or three at each location,” the woman said on TikTok. “Starbucks wasn’t really trying to sell us teddy bear cups today.”
Meanwhile, some customers were lucky enough to be at the right Starbucks at the right time.
Is the Starbucks Bearista mug resold online?
Glass Starbucks Bearista Frosted glass. (Starbucks)
Yes. Within a day of the Bearista Cup’s release, several have appeared on sites like eBay, where they fetch up to $500.
Some fans of the chain are threatening to take their business elsewhere because of the company’s alleged improper downing of the Bearista mug.
“I called every Starbucks in my area — even further away — that had just opened … and they all said they were out of Bearista cups. Baristas take Starbucks cups,” one woman said on TikTok. “Starbucks, you need to do a better job of enforcing your company policies. I know it.” [employees] it is allowed to buy goods, but it goes to customers first. …