My Super Sharp Cheddar Smells Funky: What It Means and When to Worry

Ever opened a bag or block of sharp cheddar and thought, “Why does this smell like feet?”
Don’t worry, you’re not losing your mind, and your cheese isn’t automatically headed for the trash.

Sharp cheddar is a living, breathing food. As it ages, it develops bold flavors and bold aromas. Sometimes those smells can be surprising, especially if you’re not expecting them. Knowing the difference between normal cheddar funk and true spoilage helps you enjoy every bite with confidence and keeps you from cutting the cheese a little too soon.

Key Takeaways

• Sharp cheddar can naturally smell “foot-like” thanks to aging bacteria and aroma compounds — this is often totally normal.

• Those aromas come from the same compounds found on human skin (cheesy science at work).

• Good sharp cheddar still tastes tangy, nutty, and clean (even if it smells a little bold).

• Pre-shredded cheddar lasts 5–10 days after opening, while blocks stay fresh 4 weeks when stored properly. However, our aged cheddars will last forever when left unopened in the fridge. 

• Smart storage keeps cheddar in its prime and prevents things from going… gratefully wrong.

Why Does Sharp Cheddar Smell Like Feet?

The “feet” comparison gets tossed around a lot with sharp cheddar, especially varieties aged a year and over. At that point, the cheese has had plenty of time to develop big flavors and a nose you’ll definitely notice. This distinctive scent is a hallmark of sharp cheddar and other cheeses with a pungent smell.

A few reasons this happens:

• Aging turns things up a notch. After months (or years) of aging, aroma compounds become more concentrated. When cheddar warms up, those scents really start to strut.

• Same chemistry, different setting. Some cheesemaking bacteria create acids also found in human sweat. The bacteria responsible for the strong cheese smell, such as Brevibacterium aurantiacum, are also found on human skin, which explains the similarity to body odor. Different environment, same funky formula.

• Hard cheese behavior. Sharp cheddar stays far milder than famously stinky cheeses, but it can still toe the line into “gym sock” territory.

• Shredded cheese packs a punch. More surface area plus sealed bags = aromas on lock… until you open it and get the full reveal.

The distinctive scent and pungent smell of some cheeses, like Limburger and Taleggio, comes from Brevibacterium aurantiacum, which produces isovaleric acid during the breakdown of amino acids in milk. This compound is a key contributor to the foot-like cheese smell that aficionados recognize and appreciate.

The Science Behind That Funky Smell

No need to go full lab coat, just the highlights:

• Protein breakdown by bacteria like Brevibacterium aurantiacum produces isovaleric acid and methanethiol, both of which contribute to the complex aroma of cheddar.

• Helpful bacteria are doing the work, not harmful ones.

• Fatty acids and sulfur compounds are produced as bacteria break down proteins and fats, adding depth (and drama).

• Temperature matters. Cold cheddar plays it cool while warm cheddar lets loose.

Brevibacterium aurantiacum is used in the production of washed rind cheeses, and the washing process with brine encourages its growth on the cheese rind. This leads to a pungent aroma and a distinct flavor profile often associated with washed rind cheeses.

It’s all part of what gives sharp cheddar its signature bite, both in flavor and aroma.

Sharp Cheddar vs. Truly Stinky Cheeses

Sharp cheddar has an attitude, but it’s not trying to steal the spotlight.

Compared to washed-rind cheeses like Limburger or Taleggio, you might wonder how artisan cheeses compare to their industrial counterparts:

Cheddar is known for its nutty, tangy, savory aroma, but it’s rarely overpowering. Even when it’s extra-aged, cheddar doesn’t usually reach the bold, room-clearing intensity you’ll find in washed-rind cheeses.

Think of sharp cheddar as confidently funky,not overripe for attention.

Around the world, many cheeses are known for their pungent aromas, and despite their strong odors, these cheeses are appreciated for their complex flavors by cheese lovers.

How to Tell If Funky-Smelling Cheddar Is Actually Bad

Sniffing alone doesn’t cut the cheese. Use all three senses.

Cheese, especially sharp cheddar, can sometimes develop a smell that resembles feet, but this isn’t always a sign that it’s spoiled. However, spoiled cheese can harbor bad bacteria and harmful bacteria, which can cause food poisoning if consumed. Always check for other signs of spoilage, such as visible mold (that isn’t part of the cheese’s natural rind), a slimy texture, or a taste that is overly bitter or sour. If you suspect your cheese is spoiled, it's best to throw it away rather than risk eating it.

In summary, if cheese has a strong smell that is different from its usual scent, or tastes overly bitter or sour, it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed. Eating spoiled cheese can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and other health issues, so always use your senses and err on the side of caution before you consume any questionable dairy products.

Smell Check

• Normal: tangy, oniony, nutty, maybe a little sock-ish

• Not okay: sour milk, ammonia, rotten or chemical smells

Visual Check

• Okay: dry edges, oiling, white crystals (a sign of good aging!)

• Not okay: slime, wet patches, fuzzy mold in dark or neon colors

Pro tip: Mold on a block can sometimes be trimmed away generously. Mold on shredded cheese? That’s a hard no, definitely toss it.

Taste Test (Tiny Bite Only)

• Good cheddar tastes sharp, salty, and complex

• Bad cheddar tastes sour, bitter, or musty. Spit it out and say goodbye

How Long Does Sharp Cheddar Last?

Shelf life depends on how it’s cut,  literally.

• An unopened package of cheese from Gardners will last in the refrigerator for for about a year. Our aged cheddars however will last forever when left unopened.

• Once cheese is opened, its shelf life depends on several factors including the type of cheese, how it is stored, and whether it is kept in a sealed container at the right temperature.

• Opened blocks: Best within 4 weeks

• Pre-shredded cheddar: Use within 5–10 days after opening

• Home-shredded cheddar: About 5–7 days

Soft cheeses like brie, cottage cheese, and queso blanco tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content. Hard cheeses tend to last longer in the fridge, while soft cheeses with higher moisture content are more perishable.

If it smells stronger over time, that’s aging doing its thing and not neccasarily an automatic dealbreaker.

How to Store Sharp Cheddar Like a Pro

A little cheese care goes a long whey.

• Store in the deli or cheese drawer

• Wrap blocks in cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper

• Place wrapped cheese in a loose bag or container

• Avoid tight plastic wrap directly on cheese

• Reseal shredded bags tightly and minimize air exposure

• Use clean knives and boards, mold loves crumbs

Can You Freeze Sharp Cheddar?

You can, but freezing won’t save a cheese that’s already gone south.

If you’re going to freeze cheese, start with cheese that’s still in good shape as freezing won’t fix anything that’s already questionable. Blocks generally freeze well for two to three months, though the texture may become slightly crumbly once thawed. Hard cheeses like parmesan hold up especially well, and shredded cheddar freezes beautifully for cooking. For best results, thaw cheese slowly in the fridge since a little patience goes a long way.

Proper storage in the freezer helps maintain freshness and texture. Frozen cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, especially those that involve melting, such as casseroles and baked recipes.

Freezing pauses the process; it doesn’t press rewind.

How to Use Strong-Smelling Sharp Cheddar

That bold aroma can be a feature, not a flaw.

• Melt into mac & cheese, grilled cheese, or casseroles

• Pair with apples or pears for balance

• Add to burgers, eggs, or nachos

• A splash of acid (mustard, vinegar) helps mellow sharp edges

• Enjoy with crackers, which complement sharp cheddar's flavor and texture
  

Despite its strong aroma, sharp cheddar can taste delicious and even creamy when melted or paired with the right foods.

If the smell still turns you off after cooking, don’t force it. There’s no shame in choosing a milder wedge.

Trust Your Nose (It Knows)

Sharp cheddar is supposed to have character. Funky doesn’t mean faulty, but rotten is absolutely a dealbreaker.

If it still smells cheesy, looks good, and tastes right, you’re probably in the clear. When it smells wrong, your instincts are usually spot on.

With a little practice, you’ll know when cheddar is just being bold… and when it’s time to say “no whey.”

FAQ

Welcome to our FAQ section, where we answer the most common questions about why sharp cheddar smells like feet and how to store it properly.

• Question: Why did my cheddar suddenly smell stronger this week?

• Answer: Once opened, cheddar keeps aging. Air, time, and temperature changes can turn mild funk into center stage, a sign to enjoy it soon.

• Question:Is it safe for kids?

• Answer: Yes, as long as there’s no spoilage, though kids may be less into strong aromas.

• Question: Can I scrape the surface to reduce smell?

• Answer: Yes. Trimming a thin outer layer can help. Never wash cheese with water.

• Question: Why does shredded cheddar smell stronger than blocks?

• Answer: More surface area + sealed packaging = aroma overload.

• Question: Does raw-milk or organic cheddar smell funkier?

• Answer: Sometimes, but age and technique matter more than milk type.