From Kitchen Passion to Coastal Icon: The Story of Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauces
- Craig Densham
- Nov 16, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Just a short drive from Ocean Breeze Beach Resort lies one of the area’s most flavorful hidden gems — Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauces.
What began as a small kitchen experiment has grown into a world-renowned Belizean brand, celebrated across the globe for its handcrafted sauces, warm hospitality, and rich local roots. Whether you’re a foodie, a spice lover, or simply someone who enjoys a touch of heat, this is one stop you won’t want to miss.
Humble Beginnings — A Recipe for Passion
The story of Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauces started more than a decade ago in a seaside kitchen filled with laughter, family, and the irresistible aroma of fresh peppers.
Marie, a self-taught cook inspired by her grandmother’s Caribbean and coastal recipes, began blending tropical fruits, herbs, and local chili peppers into her own homemade sauces for family cookouts.
Word spread quickly. Friends began asking for bottles. Restaurants wanted to carry them. Before long, Marie’s home kitchen couldn’t keep up with the demand.
So, she turned a charming coastal house near Ocean Breeze Beach Resort into both her production kitchen and a welcoming tasting destination — where visitors could see, taste, and feel the story behind every bottle.
Growth, Grit, and Good Flavor
From the beginning, Marie built her business on three simple values: Keep it fresh. Keep it local. Keep it made with love.
Every bottle is handcrafted using locally grown ingredients — sun-ripened mangoes, habaneros, herbs, and spices from nearby farms.
Her sauces are as unique as the coastline itself:
Mango Flavor – a sweet tropical blend with a slow-building heat.
Garlic – the perfect fusion of flavor and flame.
Each sauce captures a different side of coastal living — bright, bold, and full of life.
A Local Favorite — From Beach Cafés to Fine Dining
One of the things that sets Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauces apart is how deeply they’ve become part of the local restaurant scene.
Walk into almost any eatery near Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, and you’ll spot a bottle of Marie Sharp’s on the table — or see it listed on the menu. Chefs love using her sauces to add depth and personality to their dishes.
They’re especially famous for taking hot wings to the next level, but they also elevate everything from burgers to seafood. Locals and visitors alike rave about them on:
Burgers and sliders
Tacos and grilled shrimp
Pizza and flatbreads
Grilled vegetables and steaks
Even breakfast eggs and sandwiches
As one local chef said, “Marie’s sauces don’t just add spice — they add soul.”
A Tour You’ll Never Forget
If you’re visiting Ocean Breeze, make sure to stop by for a hot sauce tour at Marie Sharp’s.
The restored coastal cottage is both a working kitchen and a visitor-friendly tasting room. You’ll get to see how each sauce is made, from roasting the peppers to bottling the final product. The air is filled with rich aromas that’ll make your mouth water before the first sample.
The Tasting Room is the highlight — guests can sample all of Marie’s signature blends, paired with local snacks and stories about how each recipe came to life. You might even meet Marie herself, who’s known for her warm smile and her passion for sharing what she loves most — flavor.
A Brand with Community Roots
Marie Sharp’s isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of the local community.
The company supports nearby farmers by sourcing local ingredients, sponsors food festivals and charity tastings, and hosts events like Hot Wing Challenges and Live Music Nights.
Marie also runs “Heat with Heart,” a community initiative that donates sauces and meals to local food banks.
Every bottle sold helps keep the spirit of small business, creativity, and connection alive in the Ocean Breeze area.
🌶️ Great on Everything — From Hot Wings to Home Cooking
There’s a reason these sauces have become a coastal staple. They’re perfect for:
Tossing with hot wings for a mouthwatering glaze
Drizzling over grilled fish or shrimp tacos
Mixing into marinades or dips
Spicing up burgers and fries
Adding a bold kick to breakfast burritos or eggs
Each blend brings something unique — from fruity sweetness to smoky fire — making them the go-to choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 45 minutes drive from Ocean Breeze Beach Resort
Tours: Thursday – Sunday, 11 AM – 4 PM
Website: https://www.mariesharps.bz
Taste the Spirit of Ocean Breeze
From humble beginnings in a seaside kitchen to a brand loved by restaurants across the region, Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauces represents the best of what local flavor can be — passionate, authentic, and full of heart.
When you visit Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, make sure to stop by Marie’s Hot Sauce House. You’ll leave with more than just a bottle — you’ll take home a taste of the coast and a story worth sharing.
“It’s not just hot sauce — it’s coastal sunshine in a bottle.” – Marie Sharp
Making Waves: Toucan Jacks & “Eat The Heat”
Marie Sharp’s growing reputation recently caught the attention of food enthusiasts beyond the local coast.
Toucan Jacks, a well-known local tiki bar, was featured on the YouTube series “Eat The Heat,” which spotlights some of the best spicy creations in the Caribbean and Central America.
During a special Belize Hot Sauce episode, the show highlighted Marie Sharp’s collection as one of the standouts — celebrating its authentic flavor, handcrafted process, and connection to local culture.
Fans of the show praised the segment for showing how Belizean-inspired sauces like Marie’s have captured international attention while staying true to their roots.
Stay at Ocean Breeze — Relax, Explore, and Taste the Heat
For the full experience, book your stay at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort. It’s the perfect home base for your Belize adventure — a blend of coastal relaxation and easy access to local attractions.
Wake up to the sound of the waves, enjoy breakfast overlooking the sea, and experience the Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauces.
👉 Read our Ultimate Belize Travel Guide for everything you need to know before you visit Belize.
👉 Or head south and explore the coast with our Placencia Village Belize Travel Guide.
About the Author
Craig Densham is the owner of Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, a boutique seaside resort in Placencia, Belize. With years of local experience and a passion for hospitality, Craig loves helping guests discover the best of Belize — from hidden beaches to authentic local cuisine. Follow Ocean Breeze Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram for travel inspiration.
