It looks like that “recession diet” the Times talked about doesn’t include Spiced Pumpkin Lattes, because the profits at Starbucks are down a very venti 28 percent, according to Advertising Age. What will save things? Smoothies! The ’bucks is introducing 270-calorie “protein-and-fruit-blended beverages” (which makes them sound a little like a meat shake) nationwide this summer, and next year it’ll launch an as-yet mysterious fruit-yogurt-dairy bevy with a “smooth, frozen” texture. In the meantime, the chain remains in a bind unseen since the Simpsons got caught in a Trapuccino.

Starbucks Sees Profits Drop 28% in Second Quarter [Ad Age]