Comparing Tanka Bars to Power, Clif and Balance Bars

A new energy bar, combining buffalo with cranberries, is now available nationwide. The Tanka Bar, developed and produced by Native American Oglala Lakota people of South Dakota, brings together tradition and modern technology. The main ingredients of the Tanka Bar are buffalo/bison and cranberries. According to the National Bison Association, bison meat is nutrient-dense, high protein, low fat, and contains essential healthy fat. Cranberries provide antioxidants. In turn, the Tanka Bar is also low-calorie and high-protein. One Tanka Bar is only 70 calories, with only 13 calories from fat. The main benefit of the Tanka Bar is sustained energy, so it doesn't just give a rush; instead it supplies the consumer with a steady stream of energy.

Nutritional Content

* Calories 70
* Total Fat 1.5g
- saturated fat 1g
- trans fats 0
* Cholesterol 17mg
* Sodium 360mg
* Total carbohydrates 7g
- dietary fiber 1g
* Sugar 6g
* Protein 7g
* Vitamins Percentage of RDA
- Vitamin A 0%
- Calcium 1%
- Vitamin C 4%
- Iron 4%

But how does the Tanka Bar stack up against other energy bars? I chose three popular energy bars to compare to the Tanka Bar: Balance Bar, Power Bar, and Clif Bar.

First some general comparison:

As of now, the Tanka Bar is only offering one flavor -- buffalo and cranberries. The other three bars mentioned have many flavors

The Tanka Bar contains meat, whereas the others don't. So the Tanka Bar isn't an option for vegetarians, or anybody on a non-meat diet.

Although there are people who would have no problem eating buffalo in the morning, others would not consider the Tanka Bar appropriate for a morning meal.

Tanka Bars are small -- 28.4g, roughly a little more than half the size of other energy bars, so take that into account when looking at calories. You would have to double the calories of the Tanka Bar to make a fair calorie comparison

Balance Bar

These bars come in many varieties: original, gold, bare, organic, carbwell, and 100-calorie versions. They are based on the 40/30/30 philosophy: i.e. 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat.

The original packs in 14-15g of protein, 6g of which is soy protein, 100% daily value of vitamins C and E, 50% for vitamin A, and 22 vitamins. Calorie counts [except for the 100-calorie bars] vary by flavor, but hover around 190-200. In a 200-calorie bar, roughly 55 calories are from fat. Protein is about 14-15g, and sugar around 18-19g, while dietary fiber is only 2%, and sodium about 115mg.

Overall, Balance Bars provide better overall nutrition, less sodium and more protein. But the calorie count is higher than the Tanka Bar, and they contain lots of sugar, especially the chocolate-coated varieties.

Power Bar

This pioneer in the energy bar industry, has many varieties. I am using the Power Energy Bar for comparison. This bar is even bigger -- 65g.about 230-240 calories [depending upon flavor], but only 20 calories from fat. Sugar is only 20g, and it is packed with 150g of potassium. Dietary fiber is not much higher than the other two [3%]. Power Bars do not provide a whole lot of essential vitamins. Sodium is lower than the Balance Bar. Keep in mind that one Power Bar is equal in size to more than two Tanka Bars. Although not as sweet as Balance, Power Bars are still sweeter than Tanka.

Clif Energy Bars

The original Clif Bar is also based on the premise of sustained energy. One Clif Bar is roughly the size of two Tanka Bars, 230 calories [30 from fat], provide 100% daily requirement of vitamin C, and lots of potassium. At 5%, Clif Bars are the highest in dietary fiber, but as high in sugar as the Power Bar and the Balance Bar. Clif Energy Bars were very close to Balance Bars on almost all counts.

So, if you want a boost of energy, but are not looked for a nutrient-packed bar, try a Tanka Bar. Tanka is a low-calorie, naturally-produced, low fat bar made in the Native American tradition. Especially if you like to eat jerky with a little sweetness mixed in, you will enjoy a Tanka Bar.