Kayleigh McEnany reported that budget meal Hamburger Helper is ‘making a big comeback’ as groceries become more expensive – but viewers slammed her for smiling during the report

Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany has been slammed for smiling while reporting on poverty in the country.

The Fox News journalist, 37, told viewers that budget meal Hamburger Helper is “making a big comeback” as consumers are forced to watch their expenses due to the surge in grocery prices. She said, “One tried and true brand is making a big comeback as consumers tighten their wallets – Hamburger Helper. The mix of mac and cheese and ground beef is seeing a surge in sales.”

However, the journalist was criticized as she was seen smiling during the report. “Kayleigh McEnany thinks this is a good thing,” a viewer wrote on X.

Another tweeted, “Kayleigh McEnany has probably never eaten Hamburger Helper in her life… at least as an adult. And she probably puts down people in private, for eating it.” A third said, “I consider this b——t, mockery Kayleigh McEnany looking like Becky w/the good hair-Like eating low-cost, processed food is just a trend we decided to do. While many have to eat that type of food be/cz it’s cheap, it goes far and it’s filling. Be/cz of trump’s failed policies.”

Kayleigh McEnany reported on the resurgence of Hamburger Helper(Image: Fox News)

One more critic said, “Nothing screams great economy like celebrating the return of Hamburger Helper.” One more said, “Hilarious how she tries to downplay ‘as Americans tighten their broke-a–, Hamburger Helper eating belts and wallets because the trump economy is so COOKED.’ She was downright cheery for it.”

Someone else wrote, “This is giving vibes of – y’all be happy eating processed boxed food! While we buy planes and build ballrooms, y’all are expected to suffer, okay!”

Eagle Foods, the company behind Hamburger Helper, told Fox News Digital its year-over-year sales rose 14.5% in August. The meal kit, first introduced in 1971, has attracted consumers as a way to prepare inexpensive ground beef and help households struggling with their budgets.

Mala Wiedemann, an executive vice president at Eagle Foods, previously said the brand is experiencing a “blockbuster resurgence.” She said, “Just as in 1971, the brand has become a destination for consumers seeking convenience, bold flavor and affordability amid high inflation, rising beef prices, unemployment concerns and increasing demands on multi-earner households.”

She was slammed for smiling during the report(Image: Fox News)

Credit Karma data shows that 77% of Americans cite grocery prices as the steepest increase they have experienced in recent years. Consumer financial advocate Courtney Alev said, “When budgets are tight, families often turn to meals that stretch further without sacrificing comfort.”

Courtney added, “Food is often the first place people feel that pinch because it’s a core need for survival and represents a significant portion of most consumers’ budgets, making it especially vulnerable to cost shifts based on macroeconomic factors. It can be an early indicator of broader economic stress.”

A recent poll carried out by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about half of all Americans say the cost of groceries is a “major” source of stress in their life right now, while 33% say it’s a “minor” source of stress. Only 14% say it’s not a source of stress.

Other financial stressors – like the cost of housing or the amount of money in their bank accounts – are also broadly felt, but they weigh more heavily on younger Americans, who are less likely than older adults to have significant savings or own property. The survey also found that about 4 in 10 Americans under age 45 say they’ve used what are known as “buy now, pay later” services when spending on entertainment or restaurant meals or when paying for essentials like groceries or medical care.