Uh. Well, I’m not sure what’s going on at Starbucks. I don’t know why the company is struggling. It could have something to do with charging $1.75 for 10 oz. of coffee in a down economy. Or it could be the fact that competitors like Panera and Corner Bakery offer free wifi for those of us home-office types.

But at Starbucks, they’ve got a plan. And it doesn’t include lowering prices. Instead, they are going to offer yet another overprieced gourmet drink. This one with protein! The Sun-Times reports:

The new Vivanno drinks will come in flavors such as Orange Mango Banana and Banana Chocolate and will be made with the same equipment used for Starbucks’ trademark Frappuccino coffee drinks. The Vivannos will include ingredients such as whey protein and fiber powder, as well as fresh bananas. Customers can customize their Vivannos via the addition of a shot of espresso or green tea powder too. The drinks will retail in the U.S. for between $3.75 and $3.95.

This may be the thing that rescues Starbucks’ shareholders. But I can still buy beer for $4, so for me the decision is a simple one.