Cookie Policy
Last Updated: January 2024
At Wellnessmealscore, we use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and understand how our content is used. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, why we use them, and how you can manage them.
We are committed to transparency about our data practices. Our editorial platform uses cookies responsibly to improve content delivery and gather insights about reader preferences.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They contain information that can be retrieved by our servers to recognize your device during subsequent visits. Cookies are widely used across the internet to improve user experience and website functionality.
Cookies themselves are not harmful and do not contain viruses. They are simply tools that help websites function more effectively and provide personalized experiences.
Types of Cookies We Use
1. Essential (Strictly Necessary) Cookies
These cookies are required for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, page navigation, and access to secure areas of our site.
- Session management and authentication
- Security and fraud prevention
- Website stability and performance
- Compliance with legal obligations
Status: Always enabled. Cannot be disabled without impairing website functionality.
2. Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how readers interact with our content. We collect data on article views, user flow, and engagement metrics to improve our editorial offerings.
- Page visit frequency and duration
- Articles read and content engagement
- Device type and browser information
- Geographic location (city/country level)
- Traffic sources and referral data
Status: Optional. You can opt-out through your cookie preferences.
3. Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization on our website, remembering your preferences and choices.
- Remembering user preferences and settings
- Language and font size preferences
- Saved articles and reading history
- Dark mode or theme preferences
Status: Optional. Can be disabled through your cookie preferences.
4. Targeting & Advertising Cookies
We use third-party services to display relevant content recommendations based on your reading history and interests. These cookies may be set by advertising partners.
- Content recommendations based on interests
- Personalized article suggestions
- Tracking across third-party platforms
- Behavioral analysis for content optimization
Status: Optional. You can opt-out through your cookie preferences.
How We Use Cookies
Editorial Analytics
We analyze which articles generate the most engagement to produce better content for our readers. This helps our editorial team understand trending wellness topics and reader interests.
User Experience Optimization
Cookies help us understand how visitors navigate our site, allowing us to improve layout, navigation, and article organization for better readability.
Personalization
We remember your preferences such as language, font size, and saved articles to provide a tailored reading experience across visits.
Security & Fraud Prevention
Essential cookies protect your account and our site from unauthorized access, suspicious activity, and security threats.
Content Recommendations
Based on your reading history, we suggest related articles that align with your wellness interests, helping you discover relevant editorial content.
How to Manage Cookies
Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete existing cookies
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Disable all cookies entirely
- Receive notifications when cookies are set
Note: Disabling all cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience.
Cookie Consent Tool
When you first visit our site, a cookie consent banner appears. You can:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customize your cookie preferences
- Revisit preferences at any time via our cookie settings link
Browser-Specific Instructions
Manage cookies in your preferred browser:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" feature. While we respect this preference, not all third-party services recognize DNT signals. You may also adjust your advertising preferences directly with advertising networks.
Cookie List
Below is a detailed list of cookies we use on Wellnessmealscore, including their purpose and retention period.
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHPSESSID | Essential | Session management and user authentication | Session |
| wms_consent | Essential | Stores user cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
| _ga | Analytics | Google Analytics: User identification and session tracking | 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics | Google Analytics: Session tracking | 24 hours |
| _gat_gtag_UA_ | Analytics | Google Analytics: Request throttling | 1 minute |
| wms_preferences | Functional | User language, font size, and theme preferences | 1 year |
| wms_saved_articles | Functional | Stores list of articles saved by user | 6 months |
| wms_reading_history | Functional | Recent articles viewed for personalization | 3 months |
| __Secure-ad-id | Advertising | Third-party content recommendations | 13 months |
| fr | Advertising | Third-party platform tracking for content suggestions | 3 months |
| IDE | Advertising | Third-party ad personalization | 13 months |
| NID | Advertising | Google: Ad personalization and content matching | 6 months |
Note: Third-party service providers may also set their own cookies. Refer to their privacy policies for details. Cookie names, purposes, and durations may change as we update our services.
Third-Party Services & Cookies
We partner with third-party services that may set cookies on our website for analytics, content recommendations, and functionality. These services include:
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand traffic patterns, article performance, and reader demographics. Google may set cookies on your device.
Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy | Google Ads Settings
Content Recommendation Services
We may use third-party services to recommend articles based on your reading history and interests, improving content discovery.
These services set cookies to track content interaction and personalize recommendations.
Advertising & Marketing Partners
Third-party advertising partners may display content suggestions and advertisements. They may set cookies for targeting and frequency capping.
You can manage advertising preferences through the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out tool.
Cookie Data Retention
We retain cookie data for the periods specified in our Cookie List table. Data retention varies based on cookie type:
- Essential Cookies: Retained as long as necessary for security and functionality. Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.
- Analytics Cookies: Generally retained for 6-24 months, after which aggregated, non-identifiable data may be retained for trend analysis.
- Functional Cookies: Retained for 3-12 months. You can delete them at any time through browser settings or our cookie management tool.
- Advertising Cookies: Retained according to third-party service policies, typically 3-13 months.
You can request deletion of your cookie data at any time by contacting our editorial team or deleting cookies through your browser settings.
Privacy & Security
We take data privacy seriously. Cookies containing personal information are encrypted and stored securely. Our website uses HTTPS encryption to protect data in transit.
Key Privacy Measures:
- ✓ Cookies are never sold to third parties or used for unauthorized purposes
- ✓ Cookie data is processed in compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations
- ✓ You have the right to request access to or deletion of your cookie data
- ✓ We regularly audit and update our cookie practices
For more information about how we handle your data, please review our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, new services, or regulatory requirements. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
Continued use of our website following changes to this policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms. We recommend reviewing this policy regularly to stay informed about how we use cookies.
Questions About Cookies?
If you have questions about our cookie practices, would like to request data deletion, or need clarification on this policy, please contact our editorial team:
Wellnessmealscore Editorial
Market Street 50
Edinburgh