What is the official name of the “Hamburger Helper” mascot?

The packaged pasta brand "Hamburger Helper" was introduced in 1971 in response to a meat shortage and rising meat prices. Packages of the product contained pasta and a seasoning packet. The contents of the box could be used by the family cook to “stretch” a pound of cooked hamburger (ground beef) to satisfy a family of five. The product debuted in five flavors: Beef Noodle, Potato Stroganoff, Hash, Rice Oriental, and Chili Tomato. Over the decades a wide variety of other flavors have been added, including Lasagne, Cheeseburger Macaroni, and Bacon Cheeseburger.

The product was a hit; 27% of American households purchased Hamburger Helper within its first year. However, toward the end of the 70s, sales began to decline. The product needed a helping hand, and got one, in the guise of a cute talking mascot who was, literally, shaped like a hand.

Advertising conveyed the idea that the contents of the box would lend a “helping hand” at dinnertime. Thus, the Hamburger Helper mascot is a cute white-gloved hand, with three fingers, a red nose, button eyes, and a big smile. It is a left hand glove (picture your left hand, with the face being on the palm) so the company eventually named him "Lefty".

As of 2017, it was estimated that one million households ate Hamburger Helper or one of its related products (Tuna, Chicken, Asian, or Pork Helpers, to name a few) each weeknight.