Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by:

• Remembering your preferences and settings
• Understanding how you interact with our content
• Improving website performance and functionality
• Providing relevant content and features

Cookies cannot harm your device or files, and they don't contain personal information unless you specifically provide it.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled:

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
session_id	Maintains your session state and preferences	Session (deleted when browser closes)
theme_preference	Remembers your dark/light theme choice	1 year
language_setting	Stores your preferred language selection	1 year

2.2 Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website:

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
_ga	Google Analytics - distinguishes unique users	2 years
_ga_*	Google Analytics - session and campaign data	2 years
page_views	Tracks popular recipes and content	30 days

2.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by providing personalized features:

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
recipe_favorites	Remembers your favorite recipes	6 months
filter_preferences	Saves your recipe filter settings	30 days
search_history	Improves search suggestions	7 days

3. Local Storage and Service Workers

3.1 Local Storage

We use browser local storage to:

• Cache Recipe Data: Store recipe information for faster loading
• Offline Functionality: Enable browsing recipes without internet connection
• User Preferences: Remember your settings and customizations
• Performance Optimization: Reduce server requests and improve speed

3.2 Service Workers

Our service worker technology provides:

• Offline access to previously viewed recipes
• Faster page loading through intelligent caching
• Background updates when new content is available
• Improved performance on slow network connections

4. Third-Party Cookies

4.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand website usage:

• Purpose: Analyze visitor behavior, popular content, and site performance
• Data Collected: Page views, session duration, bounce rate, device information
• Privacy: Data is anonymized and aggregated
• Opt-out: You can disable tracking through browser settings or Google's opt-out tool

4.2 Content Delivery Network (CDN)

We may use CDN services for faster content delivery:

• Purpose: Improve website loading speed and reliability
• Data: Technical information about requests (IP address, browser type)
• Retention: Logs are typically retained for 30-90 days

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Block All Cookies: Prevent all cookies from being stored
• Block Third-Party Cookies: Allow only our cookies
• Delete Existing Cookies: Remove cookies already stored
• Notification Settings: Get alerts when cookies are being set

5.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

5.3 Mobile Devices

• iOS Safari: Settings → Safari → Privacy & Security
• Android Chrome: Chrome app → Settings → Site settings → Cookies

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable cookies, some features may not work properly:

• Lost Preferences: Theme, language, and filter settings won't be saved
• Reduced Functionality: Some interactive features may not work
• No Offline Access: Recipes won't be available without internet
• Slower Performance: Pages may load more slowly
• Generic Experience: Content won't be personalized to your interests

7. Cookie Security and Privacy

7.1 Security Measures

• Secure Transmission: Cookies are transmitted over HTTPS
• HttpOnly Flags: Sensitive cookies are protected from JavaScript access
• SameSite Attributes: Cookies are protected against cross-site attacks
• Regular Audits: We regularly review and update our cookie practices

7.2 Data Minimization

• We only collect data necessary for website functionality
• Personal information is not stored in cookies unless explicitly provided
• Cookies have appropriate expiration dates to limit data retention
• We regularly clean up expired and unnecessary cookies

8. International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party services may transfer cookie data internationally:

• Google Analytics: Data may be processed in the United States
• CDN Services: Data may be cached in various global locations
• Safeguards: All transfers comply with applicable data protection laws
• Adequacy Decisions: We ensure appropriate protection levels

9. Children's Privacy

We are committed to protecting children's privacy:

• Our website is suitable for users of all ages
• We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13
• Parents can review and control cookie settings on their children's devices
• Educational content is provided without requiring personal information

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time:

• Notification: Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date
• Material Changes: Significant updates will be prominently announced
• Continued Use: Using our website after changes constitutes acceptance
• Review: We recommend reviewing this policy periodically

11. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

11.1 GDPR Compliance

For users in the European Union, our legal basis for using cookies is:

• Necessary Cookies: Legitimate interest in providing website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Legitimate interest in improving our services
• Functional Cookies: Your consent (which you can withdraw at any time)

11.2 Other Jurisdictions

We comply with applicable cookie laws in all jurisdictions where we operate, including:

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
• ePrivacy Directive (EU)
• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) - Canada