If you are a reader of my blog, you are well aware that I am not a big fan of processed foods. As I am learning more about food, due in part to my having to scour labels for gluten (and onions), I have found that my body feels better when I eat whole foods or foods that have been minimally processed. Because I eat this way, my family does for the most part, too. So because this product does not fit into our typical meal plan, I was conflicted about how to write this review. But my readers tell me that they value my opinion, so it’s important that I be honest about my impressions.
As I have mentioned before, I have been a part of the new Live Gluten Freely webpage since they relaunched in May 2010. One of the great benefits of writing for LGF is that I often get to try new products before I can find them locally. The newest product that I have been given an opportunity to try is Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper & Asian Helpers. I received all 3 varieties the other day – Cheesy Hashbrown, Beef Fried Rice and Chicken Fried Rice .
I made the Cheesy Hashbrown meal last night for dinner. I used lean ground turkey in place of the ground beef and butter in place of the margarine.
This meal was really easy to make and took me less than 30 minutes from start to finish. I started by browning the ground turkey, then I added the water and dried potatoes. After the potatoes were done & the mixture had browned & been flipped, I just topped with the cheese sauce, which is made with the included powder and milk (I used skim).
I dished out the food for the kids and added a couple of tortilla chips on the side. Jon asked for sour cream & taco sauce on his – whatever works, right?
The meal has a good flavor. Jon liked his, but Hannah did not like hers. That being said, my kids are not big fans of casserole items or foods that are mixed together. Case in point: Hannah wouldn’t eat rice the other day that had vegetables already mixed in it.
This meal is super easy to prepare, tastes good and will be available in grocery stores nationwide. It is important to note that the meal is high in sodium, as most processed foods are. The nice thing about these new meals is that they are great for those short on time, young adults just starting out, or a family member or friend who wants to make sure there is something gluten-free available to eat, and turns to General Mills as a trusted source to help them out. While this meal may not appeal to every gluten-free person out there, it will appeal to a lot of them. The use of convenience food is widespread these days.
General Mills and Betty Crocker have been leaders in labeling and producing gluten-free foods. Starting with the removal of barley malt from Rice and Corn Chex, next labeling the Yoplait Yogurts and then launching the Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Baking Mixes.
Now, for the fun part! I am giving away 2 Asian Helpers – 1 to each of 2 lucky readers. The Asian Helpers that are up for grabs are the Beef Fried Rice & Chicken Fried Rice. Unfortunately the winners won’t get to choose which one they get, though I will take preferences into consideration, if possible. There are 5 different chances per person to win. Each person can choose one or all 5 of the ways to enter below. The more entries, the better chance you have to win, however, only 1 prize per person. Here are the different ways to enter:
1. Visit Live Gluten Freely and become a fan on Facebook. Leave a comment telling me you did so.
2. Visit Gluten-Free is Life on Facebook and become a fan if you are not already one. Leave a comment.
3. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment telling me you did.
4. Leave a comment here & tell me whether you prefer the Beef or Chicken Fried Rice.
5. Tell the person sitting next to you about Celiac Disease & the gluten-free diet to help spread awareness. Share your favorite gluten-free foods with them. Leave a comment. 
Giveaway will end on Sunday at midnight! Good luck!!
My son and me, November 2000. This is before we were gluten-free/diagnosed Celiac.
I just joined Live Gluten Freely in FB! Glad to have one more place to get information!
I was already a friend on Gluten-Free is life FB page:) Sorry but I cant do twitter I stopped my account:(
I wouldn't care which type, just be happy to try one either way!
I just emailed my sister, she cant wait till these are out. She is a mom to a 1 year old who still wont sleep and works full time so she cant wait til these are out so she can make quick and easy meals!
I became a fan of Live Gluten Freely on Facebook.
I am a fan of Gluten Free is Life on facebook
I follow you on Twitter.
I would love to try the Chicken Fried Rice!
Already a fan on both those pages! Don't do much twittering. I would be happy with either mix.
My cousin is on a gluten free diet, would you be able to recommend a good store bought brand name? I want to do a review on it for my blog.
the beef sounds great!
I have already made the Chicken Fried Rice several times and it is very good (and very cheap). I like to add mushrooms to it along with the chicken for a more substantial meal. I still haven't seen the Beef Fried Rice or the Cheesy Hashbrowns in my area, but will try them once they are available.
My first choice would be to try the chicken fried rice.
I ran into an old friend at a garage sale and when I shared I had been diagnosed with celiac a year and a half ago it started a lengthy discussion. She mentioned her daughter dated someone with on a gluten free diet – but that he still ate at MacDonalds. It gave me the opportunity to explain the difference between someone gluten intolerant vs celiac.
I Like Live Gluten Freely on Facebook — *Thanks* for the giveaway!
I Like Gluten-free is Life on Facebook
Following @kbouldin on Twitter
I prefer Chicken Fried Rice.
I told the person sitting next to me about Celiac Disease & the gluten-free diet to help spread awareness.
Yay to Betty Crocker that they are really responding to a need!
I have been educating about Celiac whenever I get the opportunity–although I think I could make anyone think they might have it given the opportunity! It seems like no one in my small community had ever heard of it..and those that did, really didn’t understand it. Although I am not celiac (for now…) my 11 y/o son is recently diagnosed. I am so amazed at how a diet change has had such a HUGE impact on his mood and just general zest for life. He is a different child–I look at him some days and the tears well up (I keep them in, he gets embarrased easily). He is happy, smiling, funny, and just full—of LIFE!
I never thought I’d be part of a blog…but thank you for doing this, Kim…huge help to have ya here!
Am a fan of Live G Freely
Just BECAME a fan of G F is Life
A favorite in our family is baking rice with chicken over it – mmmm so I'd go for chicken
My daughter's family & I went GF last summer after she had the genetic testing done for herself, daughters & hubby – all had 2 genes, her husband has one for Celiac. My dau. a gene from me – figured it would be easier for the girls if I went GF at the same time. Symptoms inc DH, Dyslexia, Anxiety (her anxiety cleared that first week!), early cavities in the girls, low weight & mild seizures in the 10 year old.
My 'itchy scalp' is no longer itchy, I have more energy (rarely need that afternoon nap these days) & I've lost ~ 20#. I'll be 6o in the fall, & our office manager, 18 years younger (& now GF herself!) was shocked when she realized that
I try NOT to 'preach' too much to folks, & not work GS/C into EVERY conversation
I just fin an e-mail to a friend who has restless leg (& IBS) who is trying to figure out what to do about the legs, but wrote 'I was tested a year or two ago for Celiac Disease, and Dr. Nelson said I did not have it." . . . (so have tried to explain that may be a false – . . . esp with the IBS as well!)
Had sent a link to Celiac Nurse's article on Restless Leg (& reminded her that she's asked about the IBS & I've suggested looking into going GF several times!)
My daughter's best friend had a consultation last week with Nadine G (Celliac RN) on more things to try, as she has trouble digesting MANY things. We're lucky to have Nadine just an hour away, & that she often attends our local GIG!
I would love to try the Chicken Fried Rice –
[...] the winner is…… The winner of the Hamburger Helper – Asian Helper meals [...]
This is great! I love the nacho idea, which I actually used this past weekend. I made some hamburger helper, poured on some Tasty Bite's Madras Lentils, and sprinkled on some low-fat cheddar cheese. The smokiness of the lentils went really great with the meat and cheese and actually helped cut down the heaviness of the whole dip. I definitely recommend using these lentils and/or checking out more o Tasty Bite's dishes, which mostly all are gluten free. Thanks for the great idea!
I follow you on Twitter.
No doubt, many boys will love this.
The chicken would be yummy but would want to try both. My 9 yr old loves hamburger helper and this would make her so happy to be able to have it again.
[...] Christian Danner Jorge Daponte Anthony Davidson Jimmy Davies Colin Davis [...]
I cannot find any of these at Giant Eagle, or Marc's or Heinens, those are the only grocery store in town, would love to try them but cant find them!
Cindy – Have you considered ordering them online? I know that Glutenfreely.com has them for $2.09/box and Amazon.com has them as well, but you have to order by the case (6). Links below:
http://www.glutenfreely.com/ourstore/Meals-and-En…
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search…
Hope that helps!