Total cookie sales topped $9.6 billion during the 52-week period ending July 16.

The trend was identified alongside interest in European cuisine, according to Datassential’s annual FoodBytes trends report.

Emphasis on product labeling and the environment.

Lack of federal regulation still key hurdle for category growth.

The percentage of consumers saying transparency is important rose 7% in five years.

Other trend predictions include improvements to restaurant technology and menu items with unconventional flavors.

Efforts to eliminate animal-based ingredients is gaining momentum.

Heat is showing up in some unique applications.

Emphasis on GHG reductions and regenerative agriculture.

Tomato-tinis, Tsukemen, and ‘girl dinners’ listed among trends.