A Cute Holiday Cup Turns Into Chaos
What started as a cheerful holiday launch quickly turned into one of Starbucks’ biggest customer frustrations of the year. The coffee chain’s limited-edition “Bearista” cup — a 20-ounce glass cold cup shaped like a teddy bear wearing a green knitted beanie — hit U.S. stores on November 6, 2025, alongside the company’s holiday menu. Within hours, the collectible cup sold out almost everywhere, sparking outrage, long lines, and even reports of fights at some stores.
Starbucks described the Bearista as one of the most shipped merchandise items of the season. Despite this, the company underestimated just how viral the bear-shaped cup would become. By the end of launch day, it had vanished from most shelves, leaving loyal customers empty-handed and disappointed.
Fans Camped Out, but Supplies Fell Short
Many fans woke up before dawn hoping to snag one. Some arrived at stores as early as 1 a.m., setting up chairs outside to be first in line. Others drove across multiple locations only to find that their Starbucks never received a single Bearista cup. One frustrated fan shared online, “I got up at 4 a.m. and drove to four stores. None of them had it. If you’re going to hype people up, make sure all stores actually have stock.”
Reports poured in from around the country. Some stores reportedly received only one or two cups, while others said baristas purchased them before customers arrived. The scarcity led to viral social media posts and sparked criticism that Starbucks’ marketing had “fueled resale at absurd prices.”
By the next morning, the cups were already appearing on eBay and Mercari for anywhere between $100 and $300, more than ten times the retail price of $29.95.
Starbucks Responds to the Backlash
Facing mounting complaints online, Starbucks issued a public apology on November 6 through People Magazine, stating:
“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations. 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. We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”
The Seattle-based company didn’t say how many cups were made or whether more would be restocked, but promised “more exciting merchandise” throughout the holiday season.
While Starbucks’ apology calmed some fans, others weren’t convinced. Many questioned why such a large brand would release a product with such low availability, especially one that clearly had viral appeal. One comment summed up the frustration: “It’s basically advertising a product people can’t buy.”
From “Bearista Brawls” to Viral Obsession
In some areas, the craze escalated into what social media dubbed “Bearista brawls.” In Houston, one store saw a scuffle break out after customers argued over the limited stock. Videos of the incident spread quickly, adding fuel to the frenzy.
The playful name “Bearista,” originally a mash-up of “bear” and “barista,” had been used in past Starbucks merchandise collections, but this glass cold cup took the concept to new levels. Its detailed bear shape, green knit hat, and reusable straw made it an instant hit among collectors.
Starbucks’ decision to drop it alongside the holiday menu — featuring fan favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Iced Sugar Cookie Latte — only boosted attention. The Bearista became more than just a drinkware item; it became a status symbol for holiday superfans.
Why the Bearista Cup Became a Collector’s Item
Starbucks has a long tradition of releasing seasonal drinkware that quickly turns into collector’s gold. From the first red cups in the late 1990s to the festive “Gift-Wrapped Magic” and “Cozy Evergreen” designs in 2022, fans often line up early to snag new drops.
The Bearista’s success, however, reached a different level thanks to social media virality. TikTok and Instagram were filled with unboxing videos, resale listings, and jokes about people going to extreme lengths for a cup. Some users even compared it to sneaker releases or concert ticket sales, where demand vastly outweighs supply.
Collectors pointed out that the Bearista’s glass body, distinctive bear shape, and Starbucks-green accents make it one of the most unique limited-edition designs in years. Its resemblance to past ceramic Bearista figurines from the early 2000s also gave it a nostalgic edge for longtime fans.
A Look Back at Starbucks’ Holiday Tradition
While the Bearista drama stole headlines, it’s only the latest chapter in Starbucks’ annual holiday rollout. Every November, the company unveils new cup designs and menu items meant to celebrate warmth, connection, and tradition.
This year’s paper cups feature red and green plaid patterns inspired by the aprons worn by baristas, along with space for customers to write personal messages. Returning drinks like the Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulée Latte share the menu with newer favorites such as the Iced Gingerbread Chai and Sugar Cookie Breve.
The bakery case also got festive upgrades, including the returning Snowman Cookie and new treats like the Polar Bear Cake Pop and Cinnamon Pull-Apart Pastry.
This combination of holiday drinks, limited-edition designs, and nostalgic branding has made Starbucks’ November rollout a cultural event — one that fans plan their mornings around each year.
What’s Next for Starbucks and Its Fans
Starbucks hasn’t confirmed whether the Bearista cup will return or if future restocks are planned. In a statement, the company said customers can “expect more exciting merchandise” through the rest of the 2025 holiday season, but didn’t name specifics.
Given the popularity of this drop — and the resale market that formed overnight — it’s likely Starbucks will adjust future launches to handle demand better. Fans, meanwhile, are hoping for another chance to bring the beloved bear cup home without resorting to auction sites.
Until then, the Bearista craze stands as a reminder of how powerful Starbucks’ brand loyalty can be — and how a simple piece of glassware can capture the internet’s attention faster than a fresh pot of coffee.
The Bottom Line
The Starbucks Bearista cup was meant to spread holiday cheer but instead became a case study in supply, demand, and social media hype. Despite the backlash, it reaffirmed the company’s ability to create viral moments and keep fans emotionally tied to its brand.
For collectors and coffee lovers, the Bearista might just become this decade’s most iconic Starbucks item — the one that everyone wanted but few could actually find.
Lance The PI is an independent news reporter and licensed private investigator sharing real-time crime and community updates.