Privacy and Cookie Policy

Effective: October 10, 2025.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us.

Overview

At helenasrecipes.com (“the Website”), we value your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have—especially around analytics and cookies.

Analytics, Cookies & Live Chat

We use measurement technologies and live chat services to understand how visitors use our website and to help us improve it and provide support. In the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, we obtain consent before using non-essential cookies or loading tracking scripts. Outside those regions, we rely on applicable local laws (for example, our legitimate interests in performing basic analytics and customer service).

Google Analytics with Consent Mode

We use Google Analytics (“GA4”):

Before consent (EEA/UK/CH): GA4 receives nothing.
After consent: GA4 may set cookies and collect standard analytics signals (e.g., session counts, pages visited, approximate geography, device/browser information) to improve accuracy, session continuity, and attribution.

We configure GA4 with privacy safeguards (such as IP truncation where available). We do not use Google Ads or remarketing on this site. You may opt out of analytical cookies at any time – please contact us to do so.

Live Support Chat (tawk.to)

We use tawk.to to provide live customer support functionality.

Before consent (EEA/UK/CH): The tawk.to widget and its associated cookies are completely blocked. You may see a placeholder chat button that collects zero data.
After consent (or outside EEA/UK/CH): tawk.to is loaded and sets functional and tracking cookies. These cookies manage your chat session, keep the chat active as you navigate between pages, and recognize returning visitors.

When tawk.to is active, it automatically collects your IP address, browser type, device information, and real-time data about which pages you are currently viewing to help us assist you. If you initiate a chat, we collect the content of the chat transcripts and any personal information you voluntarily provide (such as your name or email).

Email Newsletters & Subscriptions

If you choose to subscribe to our newsletter via our popup or inline forms, we collect your email address (and your name, if provided) to send you recipe updates, marketing communications, and news. We rely on your explicit consent to process this data.

We use MailPoet to manage our subscriber list and send these emails. To help us understand what content our readers enjoy most, MailPoet includes a tiny, invisible tracking image (a “web beacon” or “pixel”) in our emails. This allows us to see if an email was opened and which links were clicked.

How to opt-out: You can withdraw your consent and unsubscribe from our emails at any time by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link located at the very bottom of every newsletter we send, or by contacting us directly. Once you unsubscribe, we will stop sending you marketing emails.

What data we collect for analytics

When consent is denied (EEA/UK/CH): no data.
When consent is granted: the above plus cookie-based session information that improves reporting accuracy (e.g., distinguishing repeated visits on the same browser).

Your browser may also offer controls to block or delete cookies.

Strictly necessary cookies

Some cookies are necessary for the site to function (e.g., load balancing, security). These operate regardless of consent.

Server Log Files

Like most websites, our servers automatically record access logs (e.g., IP address, date/time, requested URLs, referrer, and basic browser information). We use these logs to maintain security, troubleshoot issues, and prevent abuse. Log data is retained for a limited period and, where practical, may be truncated or anonymized. We do not combine server logs with analytics data to identify individuals.

reCAPTCHA (Spam Protection)

We use Google reCAPTCHA (either the “checkbox” or “invisible” version) to help detect and prevent automated abuse (e.g., spam). reCAPTCHA is Google’s service analyzing interactions with sites and collecting device and usage data such as IP address, mouse/keyboard movements, time on page, referrer, and cookies set by Google.

This processing is performed by Google Ireland Limited (and may involve transfers to Google LLC in the United States). We rely on our legitimate interests in securing the site (and, where required, your consent). Google’s use of data is governed by its own terms and policies; please see Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for details.

Legal Bases

EEA/UK/CH: We request your consent for non-essential analytics.
US/Canada/other regions: We perform basic analytics consistent with local laws and our legitimate interests in understanding site usage.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, delete, correct, or restrict processing of your personal data. To exercise your rights or ask questions, contact us. And if you previously accepted our use of analytics and live chat cookies, you have the right to change your mind and deactivate tracking at any time. Click here to revoke your cookie and tracking consent.</a>

California (CCPA/CPRA) Notice

We do not sell or share personal information as defined by the CPRA. California residents may request access or deletion of their personal information by contacting us.

Data Retention & Sharing

Analytics data is retained according to our GA4 property settings. Customer support chat transcripts and related data are retained until you request their deletion or as long as necessary to resolve your inquiries and improve our support services. We do not sell analytics, chat, or subscriber data or share it for advertising purposes. We use Google as our analytics service provider, tawk.to as our live chat support provider, and MailPoet to manage and deliver our email newsletters. Data processed by tawk.to may be transferred to and stored on servers located in the United States, safeguarded by established international data protection frameworks.

Children’s Privacy

This website is not directed to children under the age of 13 (or the relevant minimum age in your jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Intellectual Property

All content on this website is protected by copyright. You may not reproduce, republish, or redistribute our content without prior written permission.

Changes to this Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “Effective” date at the top indicates the latest revision. Significant changes will be posted on this page.