Starbucks has confirmed the UK will finally get its hands on the viral Bearista Cup, the limited-edition item that sparked chaotic scenes, overnight queues, and even physical altercations in the United States.
The US Frenzy That Set the Stage
When Starbucks launched the Bearista Cup in the US in November 2025, it triggered an unprecedented consumer frenzy. The $29.95 (approximately £22) glass cup, shaped like a teddy bear wearing a green beanie, became an instant sell-out. Desperate customers camped overnight, formed queues from 4am, and, in some stores, engaged in physical brawls over dwindling stock.
The demand was so intense that the cups appeared on resale sites like eBay for staggering sums of up to $5,000. Social media, particularly TikTok, was flooded with videos of distraught shoppers who missed out, many filmed in tears. Until now, UK customers could only watch the drama from afar.
Official UK Launch Details Confirmed
The wait is over. Starbucks UK has officially announced the cup's arrival via an Instagram post on 12 January 2026. The post, featuring a shot of the cup's lid and striped straw, declared: ‘This is not a drill… see you 15.01.’
The chain has stated the cups will be available from 15 January 2026 under strict conditions: they will be sold ‘while stocks last’ with a limit of one per customer. A message on the Starbucks app also warns that merchandise ‘may not be available in all stores’, urging potential buyers to check availability locally. The UK price has not been formally set but is expected to be similar to the US version.
British Reaction and Concerns Over Chaos
The announcement has already sent British social media users into a spin. Reactions on Instagram range from excited declarations like ‘SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY’ to more cautious observations. Some users have directly referenced the US chaos, with one commenting, ‘Hope it’s not going to be chaotic like it was in America.’ Another predicted a swift resale market, stating, ‘I give it an hour before they’re on Vinted for £75’.
When questioned by Metro about plans to prevent similar disruptive scenes in the UK, a Starbucks spokesperson offered limited reassurance, reiterating the purchase limit and scarce stock. They said: ‘He’ll be popping up in stores only, but there won’t be many, so one per customer, and while stocks last.’
As the 15 January launch date approaches, the question remains whether the UK's love for a quirky collectible will mirror the transatlantic frenzy or showcase a more orderly, if equally determined, queue.
