AAA Native Arts - "New" pemmican energy bar going on the market

Native American Natural Foods Set to launch Tanka Bars Oct. 5-7, 2007. Pine Ridge-based company creates "new" food category with buffalo energy bars based on old pemmican recipes.

Following 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.”

The Tanka Bar, already a household name on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, has also won the endorsement of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association and several nutrition experts around the country.

According to Mark Tilsen, president of Native American Natural Foods, the Tanka Bar is receiving an enthusiastic reception from Native American people across the country. “It shows that people want healthy, authentic Native foods with all the modern conveniences,” he said.

Native American Natural Foods has partnered with Rapid City’s Rushmore Plaza Civic Center and the Black Hills Pow Wow Association to share its milestone with the community that has helped nurture the tiny company’s big brand ambitions.

Tanka Bars will be available at www.tankabar.com or you can contact the company at 1-800-416-7212.