Rising Food Prices Push Families Toward Cheaper Meals
With grocery bills climbing and beef prices at record highs, more families are turning to Hamburger Helper to make a single pound of meat feed an entire household.
Hamburger Helper Sales See Double-Digit Growth
Sales of the boxed pasta mix jumped 14.5% in 2025 through August, according to a report by The New York Times. The brand, now owned by Eagle Foods, was purchased from General Mills in 2022.
Inflation And Tariffs Add To Grocery Costs
Persistent inflation, tariffs from former President Donald Trump, and a slowing job market are pushing households to search for cheaper meal solutions.
Consumers Seek Filling But Affordable Options
“Cost-of-living expenses are up,” said Sally Lyons Wyatt, a packaged food adviser at Circana. “People want meals that are hearty and low-cost.”
Food Prices Continue To Climb
Government data shows consumer prices rose 0.4% in August, with food costs up 0.5%. Ground beef hit a record $6.63 per pound as U.S. cattle herds dropped to their lowest levels since the 1950s.
Hamburger Helper Tied To Tough Economic Times
The brand first gained popularity during the 1970s and resurged in the 2008 financial crisis and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as households sought affordable meals.
Eagle Foods Updates The Classic Product
Eagle Foods has shortened cooking times, introduced flavors like Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger, and avoided price hikes or shrinking box sizes. Most boxes still sell for around $2.
Pop Culture Boosts Interest In The Brand
Hamburger Helper was featured on an episode of the popular FX series The Bear in June, bringing renewed attention and sparking nostalgia for longtime fans.
Other Budget Foods See Sales Growth Too
Circana reports rising sales for other affordable staples such as rice, canned fish, beans, and macaroni and cheese as shoppers adjust to higher living costs.
