Viral Bearista cups cause chaos despite Starbucks' strict rule

Starbucks fans have never been shy when it comes to collectible cups, but few launches have sparked quite as much debate as the Bearista.

The teddy bear-shaped glass cup, complete with a green beanie and striped straw, has been hyped for weeks, with social media buzzing ahead of its long-awaited UK arrival. After scenes of near mayhem during its US release last year, many hoped lessons had been learned before it landed on British soil.

In the days leading up to launch, excitement only continued to build. Starbucks teased the release across social media, urging customers to ‘save the date’ and get ready. For some, it became a full-blown mission, with early alarms set and plans made to queue before stores opened. Others remained sceptical, recalling reports of altercations and disappointment overseas.

The Bearista cup quickly became one of Starbucks’ most controversial UK releases (Starbucks)

As opening times approached, Facebook comment sections filled with anticipation, questions, and confusion. Customers asked whether the cups would be available online, which stores were taking part, and how much stock each location would receive. Few clear answers were given, but that didn’t stop people from turning up in hope.

That hope, however, quickly turned into frustration. Despite Starbucks confirming a ‘one Bearista Cup per customer only’ rule, the launch descended into disappointment almost immediately as customers discovered just how limited the stock really was.

Many stores reportedly received only one to four cups, with some selling out within minutes of opening.

One customer wrote on a Starbuck’s Facebook post: “Just been to my local one and they only had a delivery of 4 - well that’s what I was told.”

(LADbible Group)

Another said: “Went into my local Starbucks at 8 this morning. They had none delivered and they said the store up the road had 1 delivered. Apparently, they aren’t getting more in stock.”

Anger grew as stories of early queues and instant sell-outs flooded in.

One comment read: “Absolutely disgusted, went really early as they opened and all gone…You knew how big this was going to be, and you're not issuing enough to stores.”

Someone else echoed: "What’s the point in a big release when there’s barely any to sell?”

Another bluntly summed up the situation with: “This is the worst arrangement of Starbucks UK.”

That said, the coffee giant has attempted to reassure that everything went as smoothly as it could. A Starbucks spokesperson has since responded to the backlash, telling LADbible Group: "We're delighted that people have been so enthusiastic about the Bearista Cold Cup. This was a limited drop and some locations have sold out quickly. We implemented a one-per customer rule to keep it as fair as possible."

And while many were left gutted, some fans were lucky enough to get their hands on one, and had nothing but positive words to say about the product.

"I don’t care about the haters I got one and it’s adorable," one commented on a FOODbible Facebook post.

"My girl got hers," another said.

A third happy customer wrote: "My store had a few I got one when it opened."

Shoppers have since found the cups appearing on eBay and Vinted for eye-watering prices within hours. One person said: “Already disgraceful all over Vinted at £60+, some even listed for £100.”

Another added: “You go on eBay and see people in the UK selling them for over £150.”