Pasta maker Barilla has already cracked the U.S. bakery goods market with its Mulino Bianco brand, and now it’s expanding with two new varieties of breadsticks and a sandwich cookie. Recent studies have shown the cookie category has surpassed $4 billion in the U.S., with the specialty segment comprising almost 20% of the category in recent years.The Mulino Bianco products offer a bit of Italian culture behind them and attract consumers who are looking for something a little fancier. That’s helped the brand to grow. With the growth in cookie consumption, and U.S. shoppers looking for a way to indulge even as they try to eat healthier, it’s a smart move for Barilla to expand its cookie roster.The company also recently announced a major relaunch in Japan and will be doubling its marketing expenditures with an ambitious television and social media campaign. Barilla’s effort to expand its product lineup is not a surprise as more food manufacturers like Entenmann’s and Hostess seek to broaden their reach and grow revenue with new items. Expect more products from Barilla in the future.