Makers of the Tanka Bar got a national publicity boost when the energy bar was featured on "Live With Regis & Kelly" Wednesday morning.

"We have just been swamped today," said Linda Crider, director of marketing for Native American Natural Foods in Kyle, which makes the bars. "It was amazing."

Crider said someone from "Live" called them Tuesday to ask about the bars, which were the subject of a recent Associated Press feature story. She didn't know until Wednesday whether Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, who host the show, would actually talk about the Tanka Bar.

They did, even sampling a little on air and commenting on its moist texture. Tanka Bars, which are made from buffalo and cranberries, are high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates, which Philbin mentioned during the segment.

"It was incredible," Crider said. "It was a really, really nice thing to have happen."

You can see the segment until 3 p.m. today at the following link:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1185153651?bclid=958475914

For more information about the Tanka Bar, go to www.tankabar.com.

Contact Heidi Bell Gease at 394-8419 or heidi.bell@rapidcityjournal.com