For generations, the wisdom of indigenous food practices has provided sustenance and healing. Now, a South Dakota-based company, Native American Natural Foods, is bringing a taste of that tradition to the modern world with its New Pemmican Energy Bar Going on the Market, a contemporary take on the ancient Native American food known as pemmican. After two years of meticulous development, this innovative product, the Tanka Bar, is poised to launch at the Black Hills Pow Wow in Rapid City, South Dakota, from October 5th to 7th, marking a significant moment for both the company and the revitalization of traditional foods.
Unveiling the Tanka Bar: A Modern Twist on a Timeless Staple
The Tanka Bar is more than just an energy bar; it’s a carefully crafted blend of prairie-raised American buffalo and Wisconsin cranberries, a harmonious pairing that honors the past while catering to contemporary palates. This combination pays homage to "wasna" or "pemmican," a food revered for centuries by Native American tribes for its nutritional density and ability to sustain individuals through demanding physical activities and harsh environments.
Pemmican, traditionally made with dried, shredded meat (often buffalo), rendered fat, and sometimes berries, was a cornerstone of survival for many Plains tribes. Its high-fat and protein content provided a concentrated source of energy, crucial for hunters, travelers, and warriors. The preserving qualities of the fat allowed pemmican to be stored for extended periods, making it an indispensable provision for long journeys and periods of scarcity.
The Tanka Bar reimagines this traditional recipe, offering a convenient and palatable way to experience the benefits of pemmican. The inclusion of cranberries not only adds a touch of sweetness and tartness but also provides valuable antioxidants, further enhancing the bar’s nutritional profile. The result is a product that respects the heritage of pemmican while appealing to the modern consumer seeking healthy and convenient snacks.
A Nutritional Powerhouse: Fueling the Body with Natural Goodness
In a market saturated with processed energy bars laden with artificial ingredients and empty calories, the Tanka Bar stands out as a beacon of natural goodness. Each one-ounce serving contains a mere 70 calories and, importantly, is free of trans fats. This makes it a guilt-free choice for those seeking a quick and healthy energy boost.
The nutritional significance of the Tanka Bar lies in its composition. Buffalo meat is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair, while cranberries provide a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This combination offers a balanced and sustained release of energy, making it an ideal snack for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a healthy alternative to conventional energy bars.
Furthermore, the Tanka Bar’s all-natural ingredients appeal to consumers increasingly concerned about the quality and origin of their food. In a world where processed foods dominate the market, the Tanka Bar offers a refreshing alternative, a return to the simple, wholesome ingredients that have nourished people for generations.
The Vision Behind Native American Natural Foods: Preserving Tradition, Promoting Health
Native American Natural Foods, the company behind the Tanka Bar, is driven by a mission that extends beyond simply creating a successful product. Based in Kyle, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the company is committed to revitalizing traditional Native American foods and promoting health and wellness within the community.
Karlene Hunter, CEO of Native American Natural Foods, emphasizes that the Tanka Bar represents a new category of meat-based energy bars. She distinguishes it from the overly sweet or artificially flavored alternatives that dominate the market. "Tanka Bars don’t taste medicinal or like a candy bar," Hunter explains. "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."
This vision of providing healthy, authentic Native foods is central to the company’s philosophy. By utilizing traditional ingredients and recipes, Native American Natural Foods aims to not only provide nutritious food but also to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Native American communities.
Endorsements and Enthusiasm: A Sign of Things to Come
Even before its official launch, the Tanka Bar has garnered significant support and recognition. It has become a household name on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and has received endorsements from the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association, and various nutrition experts across the nation.
Mark Tilsen, president of Native American Natural Foods, highlights the enthusiastic reception the Tanka Bar has received from Native American people across the country. "It shows that people want healthy, authentic Native foods with all the modern conveniences," he notes. This positive feedback underscores the growing demand for culturally relevant and nutritious food options within Native American communities and beyond. The New Pemmican Energy Bar Going on the Market is a game changer in the world of healthy snacks.
The endorsements from tribal organizations and nutrition experts further validate the Tanka Bar’s nutritional value and its potential to address health disparities within Native American communities. By providing a convenient and accessible source of protein and other essential nutrients, the Tanka Bar can contribute to improved health outcomes and promote a return to traditional food practices.
A Partnership for Progress: Sharing the Milestone with the Community
Recognizing the importance of community support, Native American Natural Foods has partnered with Rapid City’s Rushmore Plaza Civic Center and the Black Hills Pow Wow Association to celebrate the launch of the Tanka Bar. This collaboration demonstrates the company’s commitment to giving back to the community that has played a vital role in its growth and development.
The Black Hills Pow Wow, a vibrant celebration of Native American culture and traditions, provides the perfect platform for introducing the Tanka Bar to a wider audience. By showcasing the bar at this event, Native American Natural Foods hopes to connect with consumers who are interested in learning more about Native American culture and supporting Native-owned businesses.
This partnership reflects the company’s belief that success is not solely measured by profits but also by the positive impact it has on the community. By working together with local organizations and events, Native American Natural Foods aims to foster economic development, promote cultural awareness, and improve the overall well-being of the community.
The Future of the Tanka Bar: A Vision for Growth and Impact
As the New Pemmican Energy Bar Going on the Market prepares for its official launch, Native American Natural Foods is poised for significant growth and impact. The company plans to expand its distribution network, making the Tanka Bar available to a wider range of consumers across the country and beyond.
The New Pemmican Energy Bar Going on the Market also has a website, www.tankabar.com, where the product will be available. For more information, the company can be contacted at 1-800-416-7212.
Ultimately, Native American Natural Foods envisions the Tanka Bar as more than just an energy bar; it is a symbol of cultural pride, a testament to the wisdom of traditional food practices, and a vehicle for promoting health and wellness within Native American communities and beyond. The company is committed to continuing its mission of revitalizing traditional foods, supporting Native-owned businesses, and fostering a more equitable and sustainable food system.