UK coffee lovers should prepare for queues as Starbucks officially launches its most sought-after drink accessory, the viral 'Bearista' cup, in stores across the country tomorrow, 15 January 2026.
The Cup That Caused Chaos Across the Pond
The adorable teddy bear-shaped tumbler first debuted in the United States last November as part of the chain's Holiday Collection. Its release sparked an unprecedented frenzy, with fans scrambling to secure one. The entire stock sold out within just a few hours, forcing Starbucks to issue a public apology for the severe shortage and leaving many customers empty-handed.
Now, hoping to replicate that viral buzz, Starbucks is bringing the cup to the UK. The company teased the arrival on its UK Instagram account with the cryptic message: "This is not a drill... see you 15.01." The post was quickly flooded with hundreds of excited comments from British fans.
Design, Price, and Customer Concerns
The 'Bearista' cup features the charming design of a teddy bear wearing a green woolly beanie emblazoned with the Starbucks logo, complete with a green and white striped straw. While its cuteness is undeniable, the potential price tag is causing some debate.
Starbucks has not officially confirmed the UK price, but comments suggest it will be around £27.99. This is slightly higher than the US price of $29.95 (approximately £22). The cost has led to scepticism among some shoppers, with one Instagram user remarking, "They are £27.99 for a glass teddy cup come on that’s half a days wages."
Learning from Past Mistakes: A Strict Purchase Limit
Determined to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed in America, Starbucks UK has implemented a strict one-cup-per-person rule for the launch. This measure aims to give more genuine fans a chance to purchase the item and discourage resellers.
Despite this precaution, anticipation is mixed with anxiety about stock levels. Many commenters on social media expressed doubts about whether there will be enough cups to meet demand, with one stating, "As much as I’d like one, I just cba if it’s going to cause a riot." Others, however, are fully committed, with one fan writing, "I’ve set my reminder…i’ll be there."
Whether the UK launch becomes a celebratory event or a chaotic scramble remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the teddy bear cup is poised to be one of the retail highlights of the week.
