I played football when there was one flavor, there were just coming out with that new fangled orange stuff, but that did not cut it. For me, there is still only one flavor! So Lemon-Lime...
I like the Citric Acid component on pork, ribs or butts. So I decided, hey, why not put Gatorade in the brine, since you are going to inject the brine right into the meat. This was a 1st with this type of injection, I had never even considered injection a brine solution into the meat, it was always just used to soak, that is why I put the sodium phosphate in the brine. I also used the powder in the rub because it has a small amount of salt, a large amount of sugar (good for bark) and that citric component. I would venture to guess if it is left out, the results will not change much. Maybe a slight taste difference.
The major factor in my injections is the
sodium phosphate, I can always tell a difference between my competition butt (always injected) and my home butt (usually never injected due to laziness), the injected are simply more moist and have more flavor. This butt for me was slightly saltier then usual, but for me a very minor taste difference, but I really enjoy salt. But after Kristin's comments (will see what the 2 siblings and their spouses think), I will have to probably adjust. Either inject less of solution, or make separate injection solution with just Gatorade and sodium phosphate. She ate this meat naked, you start saucing it and I believe the salt is not going to be an issue, I think it will be a flavor enhancer.