Buffalo energy bars

Native American Natural Foods Set to launch Tanka Bars Oct. 5-7

Pine Ridge-based company creates new food category with buffalo energy barsFollowing two years of intense product development, Native American Natural Foods is preparing to launch its new buffalo energy bar at the Black Hills Pow Wow, Oct. 5-7, in Rapid City, S.D.

The Tanka Bar, which pairs prairie-raised American buffalo with Wisconsin cranberries, is a modern artisanal take on a traditional Native American recipe for “wasna” or “pemmican,” which has been described by many nutritionists as the perfect energy food. The 100 percent natural bar is 70 calories per 1 ounce serving and no trans fats.

According to Karlene Hunter, CEO of the company, which is based in Kyle, S.D., on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the Tanka Bar introduces a new product category: the meat-based energy bar. “Tanka Bars don’t taste medicinal or like a candy bar,” Hunter said. “They are tender, flavorful and good for you. We’re convinced that once people taste them, they’ll choose pure meat protein-based energy over ‘enhanced’ cereal bars every time.”