To prevent oil from separating in a jar of peanut butter, ___________ are added to the formulation.

In the context of preventing oil separation in peanut butter, stabilizers play a critical role. Stabilizers are ingredients that help maintain the desired consistency and texture of a product by ensuring that its components remain evenly dispersed. In peanut butter, which is primarily made from ground peanuts and oil, oil separation can occur due to the density differences between the solid peanut particles and the liquid oil.

The inclusion of stabilizers helps to suspend the oil within the peanut paste, reducing the likelihood of separation over time. Common stabilizers used in food formulations may include emulsifiers like mono- and diglycerides, which create a barrier that prevents the oil from rising to the top.

Understanding the role of stabilizers is crucial, as they not only contribute to the physical stability of products like peanut butter but also enhance the overall textural experience for consumers.