Every year has its food stories: those items that are always in the news or being talked up by your friends and co-workers as the best new thing since pulled pork. 2014 was no exception, as it brought an interesting cross-section of dishes and delights that made the leap from sidekick to superstar. Here are some of our favorites.

Cauliflower

A no-brainer. It seems like you couldn’t go out on a Friday night without seeing a menu mobbed with cauliflower. And for good reason: It’s healthy, easy to find, and has an interesting texture that holds up to all kinds of cooking techniques. It’s even great raw. Some have called cauliflower the new kale, which is appropriate, since the superfoods come from the same species, Brassica oleracea, which also includes nutrient-rich broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and collard greens.

Kamut

Kamut is the trademarked name for a variety of Khorasan wheat, an ancient grain that is higher in protein and other nutrients than our typical modern wheat. Kamut is known for its nutty, buttery flavor, and is popular in health food circles for use in breads, cereals, pastas and baked goods. Look for it to gain more ground next year.

Ramen

Noodles were a big item in 2014, and ramen was the breakout star. It’s not new in North America, but it seemed to reach a tipping point, as authentic Japanese ramen restaurants continue to expand their reach and audiences find their favorites. Not convinced it’s a thing? Check out any food forum about where to find the best ramen in your city. The debates get incandescent.

What else?

Enthusiasm for local food products has expanded to include artisanal butchers, who are popping on in neighborhoods across the continent, chopping choice and often-organic cuts of meat and serving sausages from nearby purveyors.

Did you eat dessert in 2014? You probably tasted salted caramel in an icing or ice cream, and you certainly tried a tea-flavored treat, whether it was green or Earl Grey. Other pastry-pushers returned to their roots, trying to perfect the traditional chocolate chip cookie that is crispy on the outside and soft inside.

What was your favorite food trend of the year? Share your 2014 staples comments, on our Facebook page, or on Twitter at @luvoinc.