Unhydrogenated Palm Oil as a Stabilizer for Peanut Butter

Abstract

ABSTRACT Response surface methodology was used to investigate the potential of unhydrogenated palm oil (PO), with and without peanut shell flour (PSF), to prevent oil separation in peanut butter. Percent oil separation, texture and color attributes were measured after 0, 1 and 2 wk storage at 15, 25 and 35°C. Computer‐generated contour plots indicated that 2.0–2.5% PO should effectively stabilize peanut butter stored at 21–24°C for ≥ 1 year without affecting color. PSF (≥ 0.8%) decreased L value of color by a 5% but did not increase firmness of experimental products containing PO. Samples stabilized with PO were softer than those containing a commercial stabilizer.