Coffee giant Starbucks has announced it will enforce a strict 'one per customer' rule for the UK launch of its wildly popular Bearista cup, following scenes of near-'riot' conditions during its release in America last year.
What is the Starbucks Bearista Cup?
The coveted item is a clear, teddy bear-shaped cold cup, complete with a green beanie hat lid and matching straw. It first went viral in November 2025 as part of Starbucks' US holiday range, where it sold for $29.95 and sparked frenzied queues.
Starbucks UK confirmed the launch on its official Instagram feed on 12 January, posting a cryptic message: "This is not a drill... see you 15.01." The cup is scheduled to arrive in participating UK branches on 15 January 2026. While a UK price is yet to be officially confirmed, if matched to the US cost, customers can expect to pay around £22.
Chaotic Scenes and Customer Concerns
The decision to limit purchases comes directly in response to the chaotic launch across the Atlantic. In America, stores received very limited stock, with some locations having only a handful of cups. Despite this, dedicated fans queued outside stores from 2am, leading to sell-outs within minutes and disappointed customers.
British fans, having seen viral videos of the US frenzy, expressed a mix of excitement and trepidation on social media. One commenter hoped stores would be supplied with "more than one" to avoid a scenario resembling "the Hunger Games," while another directly referenced fears it would "cause a riot."
How to Find the Bearista Cup in the UK
Prospective buyers should note that not all Starbucks branches will be participating in the sale. The company advises using its online store locator to find participating shops and check their specific opening hours, which can vary from as early as 6.30am.
With the combination of high demand, limited stock, and the now-confirmed purchase restriction, Starbucks is clearly attempting to manage expectations and maintain order for what is predicted to be one of the most sought-after limited edition retail items of the year.
