Answer:

sorbate

AnswerCrossword Clue
SORBATEPotassium ..: food preservative
SORBATEPotassium ... (food preservative)
SORBATEPotassium ... (food mold inhibitor)
SORBATEPotassium ... (preservative)
SORBATEMaterial capable of being taken up by another substance
SORBATEMaterial that's absorbed
SORBATEWith "potassium," it's a food preservative