__________ Helper?
Before I begin, let me put a tiny little disclaimer into place.
(Disclaimer: I'm not a food expert. I am an expert eater and I have definite preferences, but I do not claim to be an expert. Our family eats a wide range of cuisine and we prefer home cooked over prepackaged. Some people don't, and that's great, fine and wonderful. I love you for eating partially prepared meals that come in a box, really it's no big deal. Each family has its own taste preference and that is NOT what this is about.)
Recently, Brian and I were out on a date night (Thank you, Tara) and while we were out we ran a few errands, some more fun than others. Since I now carry my "purse camera" with me where ever I go, I was able to provide this bit of blogging for you today. (you're welcome)
Recognize this box?
Their website says this..
"An easy, delicious, one-skillet solution to the question, “What’s for dinner?” The Helper lineup has been a meal favorite for busy families since it was introduced more than three decades ago."
However, the other night when I was perusing the aisle for another unrelated product. We passed by the "Helper" line of products. First, I saw the standard box as pictured above and then I happened upon this one..."Wholesome Helper".
Are you kidding? Wholesome??
Does this mean that they're admitting that the regular Hamburger Helper isn't wholesome? This is glorious!
After reading the box it turns out that the reason it is "wholesome" is because they use "Whole Grain" noodles and because it doesn't use artificial flavors or preservatives.
I know this seems ridiculous, but this sort of thing is interests me. I also find it funny that they (General Mills) have Market research that says that people will actually buy this and think that it is healthy. Well, it may be a scad healthier than the original, but in reality it's still NOT good for you~!
Our next culinary creation is also in the same line of foodstuff.
Introducing "Asian Helper"!!!
I just have to ask...Why?
Why not "Mexican Helper" or "Italian Helper"?? What makes it so special that it needs its own brand...."Asian Helper"??
Don't think I'm racist or something. This has nothing to do with race, but everything to do with food and marketing ploys.
Maybe this stuff has been around for years and I'm just out of touch with the Hamburger Helper world. No, wait, the box says "New!", so I guess its new.
Well, there are all sorts of things that you can buy at the grocery store that I don't even know about, I'm sure. One day I discovered "PB slices!!" It's peanut butter packaged like American cheese, in the plastic wrapper thingy. So, if maybe you don't have time to spread the Peanut butter on the bread, or you maybe don't have any knives left because your children took them all out in the yard, then, you can take the time to unwrap the plastic thingy and put in on the bread! Genius! or appealing to an obscenely lazy person, I'm not sure.
Oh, how about these...
Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes, just Heat and Serve!! (Maybe you don't have Bob Evan brand where you live, but I'm sure you have something similar)
Truly, people buy these because I watch them when I shop. Other than the, I don't have a stove excuse, I can't imagine why you would rather purchase this instead of just make your own. The little package costs around the same price as an entire bag of potatoes and serves a LOT less people. Could they really taste sooo much better than the ones I make at home? doubt it.
Maybe one day if I have a very disposable income, I will change my ways and buy these, but I doubt it. I can make some pretty delish taters!
(Disclaimer: I'm not a food expert. I am an expert eater and I have definite preferences, but I do not claim to be an expert. Our family eats a wide range of cuisine and we prefer home cooked over prepackaged. Some people don't, and that's great, fine and wonderful. I love you for eating partially prepared meals that come in a box, really it's no big deal. Each family has its own taste preference and that is NOT what this is about.)
Recently, Brian and I were out on a date night (Thank you, Tara) and while we were out we ran a few errands, some more fun than others. Since I now carry my "purse camera" with me where ever I go, I was able to provide this bit of blogging for you today. (you're welcome)
Recognize this box?
Their website says this..
"An easy, delicious, one-skillet solution to the question, “What’s for dinner?” The Helper lineup has been a meal favorite for busy families since it was introduced more than three decades ago."
Who couldn't use a little help in the kitchen?
One of life's simple pleasures is to relax after a busy day and enjoy a good meal with ones you love. Hamburger Helper dinner mixes bring families to the dinner table for a hearty, wholesome meal."
However, the other night when I was perusing the aisle for another unrelated product. We passed by the "Helper" line of products. First, I saw the standard box as pictured above and then I happened upon this one..."Wholesome Helper".
Does this mean that they're admitting that the regular Hamburger Helper isn't wholesome? This is glorious!
After reading the box it turns out that the reason it is "wholesome" is because they use "Whole Grain" noodles and because it doesn't use artificial flavors or preservatives.
I know this seems ridiculous, but this sort of thing is interests me. I also find it funny that they (General Mills) have Market research that says that people will actually buy this and think that it is healthy. Well, it may be a scad healthier than the original, but in reality it's still NOT good for you~!
Our next culinary creation is also in the same line of foodstuff.
Introducing "Asian Helper"!!!
Why not "Mexican Helper" or "Italian Helper"?? What makes it so special that it needs its own brand...."Asian Helper"??
Don't think I'm racist or something. This has nothing to do with race, but everything to do with food and marketing ploys.
Maybe this stuff has been around for years and I'm just out of touch with the Hamburger Helper world. No, wait, the box says "New!", so I guess its new.
Well, there are all sorts of things that you can buy at the grocery store that I don't even know about, I'm sure. One day I discovered "PB slices!!" It's peanut butter packaged like American cheese, in the plastic wrapper thingy. So, if maybe you don't have time to spread the Peanut butter on the bread, or you maybe don't have any knives left because your children took them all out in the yard, then, you can take the time to unwrap the plastic thingy and put in on the bread! Genius! or appealing to an obscenely lazy person, I'm not sure.
Oh, how about these...
Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes, just Heat and Serve!! (Maybe you don't have Bob Evan brand where you live, but I'm sure you have something similar)Truly, people buy these because I watch them when I shop. Other than the, I don't have a stove excuse, I can't imagine why you would rather purchase this instead of just make your own. The little package costs around the same price as an entire bag of potatoes and serves a LOT less people. Could they really taste sooo much better than the ones I make at home? doubt it.
Maybe one day if I have a very disposable income, I will change my ways and buy these, but I doubt it. I can make some pretty delish taters!
Hilarious!
ReplyDeleteI've seen the PB slices too. Perhaps the whole idea is that you don't have to wash a knife? Still wouldn't work for us I guess, since we'd have to use a knife to cut the bread, and I'd still probably put in on a plate, not thinking (because I'm so busy). And what about people who use peanut butter for things other than sandwiches? I guess they need to buy both. Or just get those "uncrustables" (my all-time favorite absurd food product) and give up on making sandwiches altogether.
I don't really care what other people do in their own houses (ok, wait, I kind of do, but certainly not in their kitchen. You know, with their food), but I always think....good luck selling that when I see these things in the store. Shows what I know since they keep coming out with them and apparently people are buying them.
Ick!! No hamburger helper in our house. And I had similar prepared mashed potatos while visiting family in VA and ick! A lot of butter and milk had to be added to get them to taste anything like homemade. Yuck! Being that I work outside of the home full time, I have to say that the convience factor is nice because I don't want to eat at 8PM. But it's not worth it. It's better to plan ahead and enjoy the home cooked food!
ReplyDeletehey kerilee, I agree I just don't get why people can't just make things themselves. i too work outside the home like callista and there are always homemade frozen dinners in my feezer for when my husband gets home. He likes it because I will make him things I don't really care for. Also with homemade you know your not getting all the bad preservatives and additives that we just don't need. Take care guys. Dawn
ReplyDeleteHahaha, I actually have that wholesome hamburger helper in my pantry, lol! Just bought one recently.
ReplyDeleteI make stroganoff from scratch but figured this would be handy on a day when I just don't have the time.
My friend buys those Uncrustables which are frozen pbj sandwiches for her kid's lunches.
I don't quite understand why she doesn't save the money and make them, but I guess she wants to save time and doesn't mind spending the money.
I suppose it's the same reason she buys frozen waffles instead of making her own.
It's funny how we all have things we do as time savers and other things we think of as time wasters!
Funny. I know of some old men who are widowers who buy the more prepared foods that you just heat up. It's just what's easiest for them. I suppose if there's a market for it... why not make it? I just wish I invented it first. LOL In our home, we almost always make our potatoes from scratch, but on the nights when I'm not feeling well, or we have an overwhelming project going on, I keep a few bags of the Idahoans on hand. They are actually pretty good in a pinch. :)
ReplyDelete