The collective craze for the famous bear-shaped cup launched by Starbucks in Mexico continues to generate unexpected stories. After its debut on December 2nd, the original cup vanished from stores in a matter of hours, giving way to a wave of resale that drove its price to over 5,000 pesos on platforms like eBay, Marketplace, and Mercado Libre. With such a phenomenon, it was only a matter of time before ingenious alternatives appeared… and with a distinctly Mexican flair.
Recently, a video began circulating online at lightning speed. It shows a young man displaying a bear-shaped container, though it’s far from being a glass product or an official release from the American chain. Instead, it’s a colorful, shiny plastic bear from a small street food stall in Oaxaca, where the contents have nothing to do with coffee, but rather with a local classic that delights many palates.
Inside the peculiar container is an irresistible mix: esquites (corn kernels) with bone marrow and grasshoppers. This combination, which encapsulates culinary tradition, creativity, and a touch of humor, quickly became the most ingenious counter-proposal to the frenzy caused by the original cup. Besides its visual appeal, the price also drew attention: the Oaxacan bear costs around 80 pesos, a price many internet users celebrated for its affordability and more authentic identity.
As is often the case, the video soon sparked diverse opinions. Some expressed doubts about the material of the container: “But it’s plastic, and with the heat, it doesn’t seem like a good combination.” Others highlighted its flavor and the service at the stand: “They’re super delicious, and the service is great.” There were also those who lamented not having it nearby: “What a gem, too bad it’s so far away.”
Beyond the debate, the emergence of this esquites bear demonstrates something very characteristic of Mexican creativity: the ability to take a global trend and transform it into a local offering with identity, flavor, and humor. Without intending to compete directly with Starbucks, the Oaxacan teddy bear ended up earning its own place in the appetite and hearts of thousands of internet users.
Source: infobae
