When Hamburger Helper Booms, It Might Be Time to Worry
A variety of General Mills Hamburger Helper and Tuna Helper appear on a shelf at a grocery store in Waterbury, Vermont. (AP Photo/Carolyn Lessard)
Hamburger Helper is making a comeback — and it may be a sign of lingering inflation. Sales of the budget-friendly boxed meal have jumped 14.5% over the past year, according to Eagle Foods, which owns the brand. While many food companies are seeing declining demand, Hamburger Helper’s rise echoes its popularity during the inflation-hit 1970s, The New York Times reports. A recent appearance on the hit show The Bear also helped boost visibility.
The trend reflects a broader shift toward affordable pantry staples. Industry data show increased sales of rice, canned fish, beans, and macaroni and cheese, as consumers lean into lower-cost options and store brands. Meanwhile, premium and non-essential foods are falling out of favor.
Though inflation has eased since peaking in 2022, grocery prices remain high — nearly 30% higher than five years ago, per NPR. Last month saw the sharpest monthly increase in food prices in three years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Priced around $2 a box, Hamburger Helper appeals for its convenience and affordability. However, it still faces criticism over its nutritional profile, including high sodium levels and artificial dyes. Eagle Foods says it’s working to address those concerns.
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