Credit: @starbucks/TikTok
Starbucks Forced To Apologize Over Viral Bearista Cup As Fans Left Outraged
Starbucks has been forced to issue an apology after its viral ‘bearista’ cup has left fans outraged.
Users have since taken to X (formerly Twitter) to complain, and many have aired their thoughts on TikTok – with some branding it a ‘scandal.’
The bearista cup is a glass tumbler in the shape of a bear, and it’s safe to say that fans couldn’t wait to get their hands on it.
That was until disaster struck for the company.
How long will the Starbucks Bearista cup be available?
The teddy bear–shaped 20-ounce glass cold cup, complete with a green beanie, green-and-white straw, and front logo, quickly became a must-have item for collectors.
First launched in Korea in 2023 before rolling out to the US in late 2025 and the UK in early 2026, the product sparked huge TikTok-driven queues and sold out almost instantly in many locations.
The adorable cup was launched as part of the return of the coffee giant’s festive menu in the US on November 6, 2026.
Some customers recalled waking up at 4 a.m. to head down to their local chain and pick up the festive merchandise.
But many fans were left incredibly disappointed.
Starbucks intended to have the product on sale for the duration of the holiday season, but they may need to rethink that strategy following the outrage.
How much is the Starbucks Bearista cup?
The bearista cup retailed in store at $29.95, a price loyal customers were more than willing to pay.
But when they arrived at their local Starbucks ready to hand over their well-earned cash, many were less than impressed.
Following the outrage, Starbucks has issued a full apology.
Why are people outraged by the Starbucks Bearista cup?
Fans who headed down to their local coffee chain were frustrated to learn that just one or two of the cups, if any, were being sold.
It was made known that they were either sold out, or being bought by Starbucks staff, before shops even opened.
One user said: “Just feeling so disappointed with @Starbucks and their employees – they only left one Bearista bear cup out for sale and took the rest of them to the back.”
Another added: “Hey @starbucks, glad I woke up at 4 am to go to your store for the new bear cup to be told the only one they had an employee purchased. Sick system.”
A third wrote: “Imagine waiting an hour and a half in line before a Starbucks opens to purchase one of the new glass bearista cups, only to find out they are sold [out] before they unlock the door.”
Separately, the frenzy around the Bearista cup has been intensified by its rapid appearance on resale platforms.
Shortly after selling out in stores, listings began surfacing on sites such as eBay at heavily inflated prices, with some sellers asking for much more than the original retail price.
What has Starbucks said?
Speaking to The Independent, Starbucks issued a full apology regarding the lack of Bearista cups available.
It read: “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.”
The coffee giant added: “We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”
Starbucks also noted that ‘more exciting merchandise is coming this holiday season,’ though fans may not be as quick to race down following the debacle.
When the cup was released in the UK, a ‘one per customer’ rule was implemented to help steady the supply.
For now, the Bearista cup remains a coveted – and controversial – holiday item. Whether the frenzy ultimately boosts long-term goodwill or dents customer trust may depend on how Starbucks responds to the lessons from this viral moment.
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