Buy this, not that: The cheaper quinoa substitute you haven't heard of

Quinoa has become, for many, a staple grain in recent years.

It's a certified superfood that's become a popular substitute for grains such as rice and wheat. And for vegetarians and those with other dietary restrictions, it's a great way to get your necessary protein servings for the day.

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But its popularity and benefits don't come without a cost.

According to 'Eat This, Not That!', quinoa costs about $7.50 per pound at a local grocery store.

A 16-oz. (one pound) bag of Village Harvest premium whole grain quinoa costs $3.72 for per bag at Wal-Mart.

But a 2-lb. bag of Viva Labs whole grain quinoa will cost you $11.99 on Amazon (around $6 per pound).

Though this might not seem too pricey, it definitely adds up – one serving of quinoa is about 1/2 cup cooked, and if you're not buying in bulk, the prices per small bag will start to stack up if you need to buy multiple.

Luckily, there are cost-effective alternatives that offer equivalent nutritional value.

Millet is a lesser-known but equally delicious grain that's been gaining steam in recipes thanks to its lower bulk prices and versatility.

Both millet and quinoa are high in magnesium and fiber, and both are naturally gluten free.

The one caveat is that millet doesn't have as high of a concentration of protein as quinoa, but as long as you aren't using the grain as your primary source, it's a pretty seamless swap.

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Though the price per pound may not always be significantly less than quinoa, the ability to buy in bulk will save you down the road.

Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Millet goes for $17.75 for a pack of four 28-oz. bags (about $2.54 a pound) at Wal-Mart.

On Amazon, you can get two 28-oz. bags of Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Millet for $13.97 (about $3.99 per pound).

The bottom line?

If your diet can afford to skimp out on the protein concentration, millet is a cost-effective swap for quinoa.

And if you're going to make the swap, you'll always save by buying in bulk, especially from a discount retailer like Wal-Mart.

Now, check out these 12 foolproof ways to slash your grocery bill in half:

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