The invention provides an absorbent pad for a case-ready package that has a controlled rate of wicking. The packaging comprises a support member, a food product that exudes liquids positioned on the support member, an absorbent pad between the food product and the support member, and a lid member enclosing the package. The absorbent pad is composed of an upper layer, an intermediate absorbent layer, and a lower layer. The upper and lower layers extend beyond the periphery of the absorbent layer and are attached directly to one another. Preferably, the upper and lower layers are composed of nonwoven materials that are coated with a hydrophilic composition. Typically the upper layer will be a spunbonded/meltblown/spunbonded web and the lower layer will be a spunbonded web. The hydrophilic coating wicks liquid exuded by the food product into the absorbent layer, and therefore prevents the accumulation of liquids within the support member. Changing the amount of hydrophilic coating on the upper layer will decrease or increase the rate of wicking that occurs at the upper layer. Thus, to prevent drying from occurring within the food product the rate of wicking can be controlled by changing the amounts of hydrophilic coating present on the layers.