Starbucks Teddy Bear Cup Arrives in UK Amid Unprecedented Demand
The Bearista Cup Phenomenon
Starbucks is bringing its sell-out teddy bear cups to the UK today (Thursday 15 January) after huge popularity in the chain’s US stores. The see-through glass cups are shaped like a hollow teddy bear, with the lid doubling as a green beanie hat. The 20-ounce cup costs £29.95, is shaped like a classic teddy bear wearing a Starbucks green knitted beanie, making it one of the most sought-after pieces of Starbucks merchandise in recent memory.
Why the Bearista Cup Matters
The Bearista cup represents more than just novelty drinkware—it’s become a cultural phenomenon that highlights the intersection of social media influence, collectible culture, and consumer demand. The chain’s new, glass “Bearista Cold Cup,” a 20-ounce holiday collectible shaped like a bear wearing a hat (the lid) in the company’s signature green, sold out within hours of its Nov. 6 launch in the United States, creating unprecedented scenes at coffee shops nationwide. Some stores reportedly received just one or two units, leading to disappointment amongst eager customers.
UK Launch Details
The adorable teddy-shaped ‘Bearista’ cups are expected to be met with huge demand, so Starbucks is employing a ‘one per customer’ rule to help steady the supply. Earlier this morning (Thursday) Starbucks UK officially announced the launch on social media, sharing a video of the teddy cup being filled with iced coffee, urging customers to get their “paws on the Bearista cup.” While not every single outlet will stock the cups, a wide range of venues spread across the UK will be selling them, giving fans across the country a chance to secure this coveted item.
The American Experience
The UK launch comes after chaotic scenes in the United States. Several videos online show extensive lines of Starbucks fans waiting for their chance to purchase the holiday item. Listings on eBay and Mercari have priced the $30 cup at anywhere from $150 to more than $1,000, demonstrating the extraordinary secondary market demand. The company acknowledged that “excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations” and apologized for the disappointment caused.
Alternative Ways to Obtain
For those who miss out on the in-store release, Starbucks has offered another opportunity. Of “nearly 10 million prizes” offered in the United States this year, Starbucks is giving out about 17,000 Bearista cups through its Starbucks for Life Merrython game. Every week brings a free Prize Play, offering players the opportunity to win prizes awarded at random—and with an average of more than 600 Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cups up for grabs every day during the promotional period.
What This Means for Consumers
The Bearista cup craze highlights how limited-edition merchandise can create intense consumer interest in the social media age. For UK customers hoping to secure one of these cups, arriving early at participating Starbucks locations will be essential. The one-per-customer policy should help ensure fairer distribution, though stock is expected to be extremely limited. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or simply charmed by the adorable design, the Starbucks teddy bear cup has become the must-have item of the season.