Panera 'pokes the bear' with new snowman cup blind boxes - USA Today
Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this story misidentified the cost of the Panera Bread snowman cup. The correct price is $25.
Panera Bread is poking the bear with its latest merchandise release.
On Nov. 5, Panera announced it is releasing collectible snowman cup mystery boxes. The glass cups appear similar to Starbucks' viral Bearista cup, which will also be sold in a mystery box, or blind box, this holiday season.
Panera's snowman cup is available in two styles. The glass cups are shaped like a snowman wearing a green hat with the Panera Bread logo. One of the cups features a red and white striped straw with "Naughty" and baguette charms. The other features a blue and white striped straw with "Nice" and baguette charms." The "Naughty" snowman features one winking eye.
Starbucks first released its Bearista cup during the 2025 holiday season. The 20-ounce glass cup is shaped like a teddy bear with a green Starbucks stocking cap on its head. Available for about $30 last year, the cups sold out in less than a day. To ride the hype wave, Starbucks released a soccer-themed Bearista cup ahead of the World Cup in June and a pink Bearista cup in July.
And Panera isn't the only one hopping on the trend. In October, Aldi released its own glass bear cups wearing a pink beanie and pink-and-white striped scarf. The cups, which launched on Oct. 21, are $4.99.
Here's what to know about getting your hands on the cups and Panera's 2026 holiday menu.
The snowman cup mystery boxes are available for purchase on the Panera Bread website for $25 per box.
Panera is also offering free snowman cups with qualifying purchases at participating restaurants only on Thursday, Dec. 3. Each participating restaurant will receive 12 snowman cups to distribute for free. The first 12 customers who make an in-person purchase of $25 or more will receive on free cup, according to a news release. Orders placed on an in-restaurant kiosk, drive-through, the website or third-party delivery apps are not eligible.
Panera is also serving up a new Cocoa Marshmallow Cake Slice, a swirl of chocolate and marshmallow cake topped with chocolate chips and marshmallow bark, according to a news release. The chain is also bringing back its fan-favorite shortbread Mitten Cookie.
Panera's 2026 holiday menu is available starting Thursday, Nov. 5.
This story has been updated with new information.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
