Waitrose has unveiled its boldest product collaboration yet, partnering with Disney+ to celebrate the return of Rivals Season 2.
Landing in stores and online across the UK from 27 April, the limited-edition ‘80s Rivals’ range leans into retro indulgence with a playful concept: “noshtalgia.” Think classic 1980s flavours reimagined for modern tastes—big, bold, and unapologetically decadent.
The second season of Rivals—a Hulu Original—will debut in two parts, with the first batch dropping on 15 May (including a three-episode premiere) and the second arriving later this year exclusively on Disney+ in the UK.
Bringing the drama of Rivals into real-life food
This collaboration marks one of the first UK scripted brand integrations for Disney+, with Waitrose appearing directly in the world of Rivals. Now, that on-screen moment extends into real life through a product range designed to spark conversation among food lovers.
According to Waitrose, the concept taps into a growing consumer appetite for nostalgia—especially in food. From retro dinner party staples to indulgent snacks and puddings, the range channels a desire for comfort, familiarity and a touch of theatrical flair.
The 80s ‘Rivals’ range: A flavour face-off
The Sandwich Showdown
At the heart of the collection are two statement sandwiches inspired by classic 80s buffet culture.
- Scotch Egg Sandwich (£4): A bold layering of egg mayonnaise, crumbled Scotch egg, chilli jam and spinach on 8-grain bread.
- Thousand Island Prawn Sandwich (£4): A retro icon reinvented with juicy prawns and a tangy, gherkin-spiked sauce.
The Crisp Clash
Snacks get a premium upgrade with hand-cooked crisps inspired by iconic dinner party flavours:
- Steak Diane Crisps (£1.50): Rich, savoury and deeply nostalgic.
- Bloody Mary Prawn Cocktail Crisps (£1.50): A spicy, punchy twist on a British classic.
The Pudding Face-Off
Dessert is where the nostalgia really hits, with two indulgent ice creams made using British milk:
- Rhubarb & Custard Ice Cream (£3.40): Creamy custard with a tangy rhubarb ripple.
- Peach Melba Ice Cream (£3.40): Peach ice cream with raspberry ripple and fruit pieces.
The Summer Spritz Rivalry
Waitrose also enters the ready-to-drink space for the first time with two retro-inspired spritzes:
- Peach Melba Spritz (£2.50): Light, fruity and sparkling with peach and raspberry notes.
- Spicy Pineapple Daiquiri (£2.50): A tropical mix with a subtle chilli kick.
More than just a trend: Why nostalgia food is booming
Nostalgia continues to shape food trends, particularly in a fast-paced, tech-heavy world. Consumers are increasingly gravitating toward familiar flavours that offer comfort and emotional connection.
Waitrose’s ‘Noshtalgia’ range taps directly into this movement—combining storytelling, entertainment and food into one cohesive experience. It’s not just about eating; it’s about reliving a cultural moment.
A full retro spread: Additional throwback favourites
Alongside the headline ‘Rivals’ products, Waitrose is also rolling out a wider selection of retro-inspired classics, including:
- Coronation king prawn cocktail with Cornish crab
- Cornish crab topper
- Rhubarb & custard trifle
- Coronation chicken quiche and pastries
- Ham hock & cheddar ploughman’s quiche
- Peach Melba cake
- Curried spatchcock with coronation sauce
The collection is rounded off with a reusable, limited-edition tote bag made from recycled materials—perfect for stocking up on your favourite flavour rivalries.
The full ‘80s Rivals’ collection is available in-store and online at Waitrose from 27 April. You can browse the range via the official Waitrose website, while Rivals Season 2 will stream exclusively on Disney+ from 15 May.
Final thoughts
With bold flavours, playful competition and a heavy dose of 80s nostalgia, Waitrose’s latest collaboration is more than a supermarket launch—it’s a cultural crossover. By blending the drama of Rivals with elevated comfort food, this range turns everyday shopping into a conversation starter.
Whether you’re team Scotch Egg or Prawn Cocktail, one thing’s clear: retro is back—and it’s never tasted better.
