Starbucks Bearista cup

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

Starbucks fans couldn’t bear the disappointment after the company’s surprise newest holiday item — the viral “Bearista Cold Cup” — sold out nationwide within hours of its release. The Seattle-based coffee chain issued a public apology after the launch turned chaotic, with viral videos showing customers fighting in stores and scrambling to grab the limited-edition item that sold out within hours on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations,” Starbucks said in a statement to People. “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 20-ounce clear glass cup, designed to resemble a teddy bear wearing a Starbucks-green knit beanie and paired with a striped reusable straw, retailed for $29.95 and was part of Starbucks’ 2025 holiday merchandise lineup. It launched the same day as the company’s seasonal menu — and quickly became the most talked-about item online. Videos posted to TikTok and Reddit show customers lining up before dawn, staking out stores for hours, and even arguing in stores over the limited supply. In one Houston location, police reportedly had to intervene after a fight broke out between customers.

Watch the viral fight over a Starbucks Bearista cup in the player below:

Many fans took to social media to express their frustration, saying stores received only one or two cups each and sold out instantly. “Not cool marketing Starbucks to only have 1-2 at each store,” one shopper commented on Starbucks’ official post. Another said, “I went to four stores … only got one and one store didn’t get any.” Dozens of others vented similar complaints on Reddit, with one viral post urging others not to overpay on resale sites for what some are calling a “$30 bear-shaped glass.”

Since the cups are no longer available in stores, the only way to get your hands on a Bearista is through resale sites or dupes. On eBay, listings for the coveted cold cup have skyrocketed, with some sellers asking over $300 for a single cup. Others are turning to Amazon, where near-identical bear-shaped glasses — some complete with beanie-style lids and striped straws — are selling for a fraction of the price. A quick search for “glass bear drinking cup” reveals dozens of affordable lookalikes.

While Starbucks hasn’t confirmed whether a restock is coming, the company did tease that “more exciting merchandise” will be released throughout the holiday season. For now, though, those hoping to sip their iced coffee from the official Bearista will have to rely on resale finds — or settle for one of the many beary cute alternatives online. Alternatively, let this Redditor deinfluence you.