#22: Hamburger Helper
Launched to simplify meal preparation, Hamburger Helper initially offered a mix of easy-to-prepare starch, usually rice or pasta, designed to be combined with ground beef, water, or milk. While initially focusing on beef, it expanded to include variations for chicken or tuna. However, not all attempts to diversify flourished, with products like Fruit Helper and Pork Helper eventually being phased out.
Hamburger Helper serves as a boon for culinary novices or those pressed for time, allowing for quick, simple meals. It’s versatile enough that adding a side of vegetables turns it into a well-rounded dish. Moreover, the brand’s charming mascot, the Hamburger Helper oven mitt, has become an iconic figure, making the brand unforgettable in the eyes of many.