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Bison or Buffalo—what’s the difference?

Bison or Buffalo—what’s the difference?

The American bison is having an identity crisis. We can thank early European settlers (who called the vast herds “buffelo”), and the ‘unofficial anthem’ of the American West, for the initial confusion. “Oh, give me a home, where the buffalo roam” just wouldn’t have been as lyrically successful using the moniker ‘bison’. Fast forward 150 years and organizations like the Canadian Bison Association and the National Bison Association in the US are still trying to clear up the confusion between the two.

Just remember home, hump, horns and hair.

Although the terms have been used interchangeably for years, particularly in the hospitality industry, buffalo and bison are not the same animal. While they’re both in the Bovidae family—which includes other cloven-hoofed grass-eaters like cattle and goats—bison and buffalo are entirely different species, found on different continents, with distinguishing features that are easy to identify.

Home on the range.

The true buffalo, in fact, does not call America home. Known as the Cape buffalo and Water buffalo, they are native to Africa and Asia, whereas bison are found in North America and Europe.The American bison that evolved and lived across the Great Plains is aptly named the Plains bison, while it’s big brother, the Wood bison (weighing in at over 2,000 lbs) evolved and lived in the cooler boreal forests from northern Canada to Alaska.

The hump has it.

True buffalo are more streamlined than bison, with only a small hump. By contrast, both the Plains bison and Wood bison have massive humps, although the hump of the Wood bison is much larger, given the terrain it has to navigate. The hump allows the bison’s head to function as a plow, sweeping away drifts of snow in the winter to expose the grass and forages underneath. No hump, no dinner.

There are horns, and then there are horns.

Probably the most well known distinguishing feature between buffalo and bison are the horns. Buffalo have horns you can hang your laundry on—some reaching more than 6 feet (1.8 meters)—and with very pronounced arcs. By contrast, you can only hang your hat on a bison’s horns, which are much shorter and sharper.

The hairier the better.

Bison have a thick, shaggy coat to protect them from the harsh winters, which they shed in the hot summer months. Both the Cape buffalo and the Water buffalo have a thinner coat that they don’t shed. The other funny hair fact is that bison have a beard while buffalo don’t. The Wood bison has a shorter and pointier beard than the Plains bison, which also sports a distinctive cape and ‘fur’ chaps.

What’s for dinner? Bison or buffalo?

As a consumer, it’s important to know the difference between bison and buffalo on the retail shelf. Product that is labeled as “buffalo” is commonly water buffalo, an entirely different species of animal that is more domesticated, like cattle. India is one of the biggest exporters of buffalo meat, which is considered a commodity. Meat from water buffalo is typically imported from outside North America, although there are some farms raising buffalo in the US.

Bison, on the other hand, is considered ‘wild’ or ‘game’ meat, as bison are raised in their natural habitat and aren’t domesticated. Bison is considered a high value specialty protein both for how it’s raised, its nutritional profile, and its premium taste. Our bison are raised sustainably on native prairie grasslands, so if you’re looking to put Canadian bison on your menu, and support regenerative agriculture, be sure it says Noble Premium Bison. #eatbettereatbison

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CHEFS CUT: Noble Premium Bison Back Ribs #elevatet CHEFS CUT: Noble Premium Bison Back Ribs #elevatetheplate

Here's another one of our favourite under-utilized bison cuts for #chefs and #hospitality. Every chef has their own take on making fall-off-the-bone ribs, but the best way to start is with our grass-raised bison. 

We've got dozens of Creative cuts for chefs on our website (under Products) that will help you elevate the plate and add value to your menu. #eatbettereatbison

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Ever had a bison waffle? Now's your chance! We pu Ever had a bison waffle? Now's your chance!

We put our two favourite things together for this savoury, slightly sweet, protein-loaded waffle! The ground bison is grilled right inside the waffle for the perfect breakfast or brunch. And it makes an easy school lunch the kids'll love! 😋

Check out the latest recipe from our other two favourites @maddieandkiki and get your bison on! Recipe and Where-to-Buy is on our website 😀

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Ready to WIN another Big Box of Bison from Noble?! Ready to WIN another Big Box of Bison from Noble?! 

We couldn't let September slip by without filling another box of goodies for our Noble fans and BBQ family! You'll get ALL our delicious nutritious #bison steaks, cubes and ground – along with some surprises! ENTER TODAY and be sure to tune in to Maddie and Kiki Live on September 29th where we'll draw our winner! Here's how to enter...

👉 Like this post
👉 Follow @noblepremiumbison and @maddieandkiki
👉 Tag 2 friends who would LOVE to win this too!

*Giveaway closes Thursday, Sept 28th and the winner will be announced LIVE on Friday, Sept 29th. Tune in to @maddieandkiki to see if it's YOU! Valid for Canadian residents ONLY. This contest is in no way affiliated with Instagram Inc. Must be 18 or older to enter.

#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #eatbettereatbison #themeat2eat #sustainableproducts #grassraised #regenerativebynature #bisonmeat #bbqfamily #whatsonyourgrill #whatscooking #bisonrecipes
Working with chefs is our raison d'être – a fan Working with chefs is our raison d'être – a fancy way of saying you're really important to us!

@chefliana has inspired us since we started selling Noble Premium Bison to chefs and consumers. Liana has supported our bison products from day one, creating recipes for our customers and sharing the benefits of bison with her students and peers.

As an integral part of Calgary's 2023 @terroirsymposium Liana will help to celebrate 'transformation' in our #restaurant and #hospitality community. We'll be there too! Come meet Liana and celebrated chefs and innovators from around the world September 30 - October 2 😀

#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #regenerativebynature #landtomarket #climatechangeheroes #hospitalityindustry #innovation #terroir #terroirsymposium #chefs #chefsofinstagram #cheflife
Watch Michael Leblanc @lastrequestbbq #elevatethep Watch Michael Leblanc @lastrequestbbq #elevatetheplate with Noble Premium Bison #brisket
Start the school year off strong – with bison po Start the school year off strong – with bison power! #fuelyourbrain

The best brain foods are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, which makes bison meat a great kick-start to your day. Nutrient-dense bison is:
• a healthy source of lean protein
• one of the best Omega-3/Omega-6 ratios of any red meat
• high in iron, B vitamins, zinc and selenium
• regenerative by nature and raised naturally on grass
• hormone and antibiotic free

The high protein content of bison can help give your brain the fuel it needs to stay focused and energized. Check out our new recipe for Savoury Maple Bison Waffles! We love 'em, and they're great for kiddos big and small 😋 #backtoschool #eatbettereatbison #noblepremiumbison #bisonrecipes #eatwellbewell
No matter what you've planned for the weekend, bis No matter what you've planned for the weekend, bison on the grill will make it even better!

To help you feed your hungry hoardes, we've loaded up our website with tasty #bisonrecipes using our lean ground bison, steaks and cubes. And we add more every month!😋 

Visit the Where-to-Buy portal on our website to find a retailer nearest you - and happy long weekend Canada!

#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #eatbettereatbison #bisonmeat #bison #themeat2eat #leanmeat #healthyprotein #itstheweekend #bbqtime #bbqfamily #whatsonyourgrill #getgrilling #recipes
Healthy, delicious, and easy – who knew bison re Healthy, delicious, and easy – who knew bison recipes could be this amazing?

Come check out these nutritious meal ideas that are sure to put a smile on your face! Our website has recipes for all our bison products, so what are you waiting for? #eatbettereatbison

#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #bisonrecipes #healthymeals #delicousness #bisonsteak #steak #getgrilling #summermeals #whatsonyourbbq #getgrilling #grillen #themeat2eat
Bison steak is as easy to cook as a beef steak - i Bison steak is as easy to cook as a beef steak - it just needs less time on the grill!

Bison is super lean with all the taste coming from the meat, not the fat. We prefer our steak medium-rare, and for the best taste experience, suggest you don't cook yours past medium. We have no suggestions if you like your meat well done...except maybe don't eat steak 😆

Visit our Where-to-Buy portal to find our products at retailers across Canada 🇨🇦

#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #eatbettereatbison #themeat2eat #grassraised #pureprotein #getgrilling #grilling #grillen #onthegrill #whatsonyourgrill #grillmasters
New summer bison recipe on your grill! These Bis New summer bison recipe on your grill! 

These Bison Stuffed Zucchinis from our friends @maddieandkiki are almost too cute to eat! Noble Premium Bison will make any zucchini taste better 😂 plus they're really easy to prepare #easymeals 

You can find the recipe for Middle Eastern Stuffed Zucchini on our website, along with Where-to-Buy all our grass-raised #sustainable bison products #eatbettereatbison

#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #bison #groundbison #bisonrecipes #maddieandkiki #summerrecipes #stuffedzucchini #onthegrill #bbqfamily #bbqlife
When you have a great cut of meat like a bison rib When you have a great cut of meat like a bison ribeye, striploin or top sirloin steak, a little S&P goes a long way #eatbettereatbison

Sure you can fancy things up with some sauteed mushrooms, miso butter and a little red wine but honestly? Get yourself some great quality salt, fresh ground pepper, and a Noble Premium Bison steak. #getgrilling 

#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #bisonmeat #themeat2eat #grilling #bisonrecipes #grillmaster #homechef #bbqlife #bbqfamily #bisonsteak #steak #pureprotein
It's easy to make nutrient-dense bison meat a part It's easy to make nutrient-dense bison meat a part of your healthy, balanced diet – and bison tastes great 😀

Not everyone has to watch their fat and cholesterol consumption, but if you do, consider #bisonmeat.  It's not only more nutrient-dense than other proteins, bison is also very lean. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada suggests bison as a lean meat option, and we have loads of tasty #recipes to get you inspired! 

Visit Where-to-Buy on our website to find grass-raised #noblepremiumbison products at a retailer near you. #eatbettereatbison 

#canadianbison #pureprotein #healthymeat #themeat2eat #nohormones #noantibiotics #sustainableproducts #eatwellbewell #bisonrecipes #ranchraised
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