Calcium propionate is afood preservative and mold inhibitor used in baked goods, candy, condiments,pickles, cheese, butter and other processed foods. It inhibits the growth ofyeasts, molds and bacteria in these products by preventing water activity. Mostoften it’s used to inhibit mold growth in breads and cakes because of its highlevel of potency against mold spores and ability to prevent moisture absorptionby the food item.