Question: What makes cheese smell? And why do our feet smell "cheesey"?

Sharon Sneddon answered on 26 Mar 2010:

Different types of microorganisms make changes to the hardness, appearance, flavour and the smell of cheese. By breaking down different chemicals in the curd, like the fat and protein, different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts and moulds, make new chemicals that change the smell and flavor of cheese.
SImilarly…

Smelly feet is all down to bacteria. Brevibacteria are considered a major cause of foot smell because they ingest dead skin on the feet and, in the process, convert the amino acid methionine into methanethiol, which has a smells like sulphur. The dead skin that fuels this process is especially common on the soles and between the toes. The brevibacteria is also what gives cheeses their characteristic smell

Propanonic acid ( is also present in many foot sweat samples. This acid is a breakdown product of amino acids by Propionibacteria, which love living in teenage feet. The similarity in chemical structures between propionic acid and acetic acid (vinegar), may account for vinegary foot smells! Isovaleric acid is the other source of foot smell and is a result of actions of the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is also present in several strong cheese types!
Yummy, I hope you are not having a cheese sandwich for lunch!