In the supermarket here in Costa Rica limited supply of Hamburger Helper and a small box is expensive, like some gourmet item! Only gringos even consider buying it. Never seen a local buy one.
I had to laugh when I first saw it here as it has been a long time and at the price. This was invented to help people stretch their budget. Hamburger meat was too expensive for some and adding the "Helper" meant more food for the family at a lesser cost. But here, the Helper costs more than the hamburgher meat.
Still like the taste and next trip to the States will buy different varieties since your thread reminded me. Tuna and Beef Stroganoff not available here. Thanks!