A food composition in which omega-3 fatty acids are stabilized against
oxidation is disclosed. The food composition contains about 4 to about
100 weight percent of the composition in which triglycerides containing
omega-3 fatty acids (and other fatty acids) are stabilized against
oxidation in the absence of encapsulation. The fatty acid portion of the
oil in the completed food composition includes less than about 10 percent
by weight linoleic acid, at least 75 percent by weight of monounsaturated
plus saturated fatty acids, and at least 3 percent by weight omega-3
fatty acids. The food composition can also contain comminuted peanuts,
e.g., peanut butter, in which case the composition is also stabilized
against photo-oxidation and the fatty acid portion of the oil portion of
the food can contain less than about 15 percent by weight linoleic acid
and at least 1 percent by weight omega-3 fatty acids. Methods of
protecting a food composition from oxidation and photodegradation are
also disclosed.