Vitaminwater cries uncle, switches back formula

NEW YORK -- Coca-Cola is reversing course after fans of Vitaminwater complained about the drink's new sweetener.

The Atlanta-based company promised Thursday the drink would go back to its previous taste after fans flooded Vitaminwater's Facebook page with negative comments. The reversal comes just a few months after Coca-Cola had changed the sweetener in the drink to a mix of sugar and stevia, a low-calorie sweetener known for its metallic aftertaste.

"Our fans haven't had the greatest things to say about it," said a statement posted on Vitaminwater's website.

The statement said the Vitaminwater that people "loved" would start appearing on shelves this fall and be available nationwide by winter.