Privacy Policy

Effective date: January 1, 2026
Website: cookingwithsoul.com (“we,” “us,” “our”)
Contact: cws@cookingwithsoul.com

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information when you visit or use cookingwithsoul.com (the “Service”).


1) Information We Collect

A. Information you provide

We collect information you choose to give us, such as:

  • Your name and email address (for example, when you subscribe to our newsletter or contact us)

  • Information you submit through forms (contact forms, sign-up forms)

  • Comment information you submit (see “Comments” below)

  • Any message content you send to us

B. Comments (enabled)

If you leave a comment on our website, we may collect the information shown in the comment form, along with your IP address and browser user agent string to help with spam detection and site security.

C. Information collected automatically

When you use the Service, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type, device information, and operating system

  • Pages viewed, links clicked, time spent on pages, and referring/exit pages

  • Approximate location (based on IP address)

  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6)

D. Newsletter and email activity

If you subscribe to our emails, we may collect information related to email delivery and engagement (for example, whether an email was opened or a link was clicked), depending on the settings and capabilities of our email service provider.


2) How We Use Your Information

We use information to:

  • Operate and maintain the website

  • Provide content and features you request

  • Respond to inquiries and provide support

  • Send newsletters or updates if you opt in (you can unsubscribe anytime)

  • Understand how visitors use the website and improve performance/content

  • Detect, prevent, and address spam, fraud, or security issues

  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our policies


3) Third-Party Services We Use

A. Email marketing (Mailchimp)

We use Mailchimp to manage subscriptions and send emails. When you subscribe, your information (such as your email address and any optional fields you provide) is processed by Mailchimp on our behalf for email delivery, list management, and related reporting/analytics.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us at cws@cookingwithsoul.com.

B. Analytics (Google Analytics)

We use Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors interact with the website (for example, pages visited, time on site, and how you arrived at the site). Google Analytics may use cookies or similar technologies to collect this information.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Google also provides tools/settings to help limit Google Analytics tracking.


4) How We Share Information

We may share information:

  • With service providers who help us operate the website (for example, website hosting, email delivery via Mailchimp, and analytics via Google Analytics). These providers are permitted to use information only to perform services for us.

  • For legal reasons if required by law or legal process, or to protect rights, safety, and security.

  • In a business transfer if we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (information may be transferred as part of that transaction).

We do not sell your personal information for money.
We do not run third-party advertising on the site at this time.


5) Your Choices

Email preferences

If you subscribe to our emails, you can unsubscribe anytime using the link in the email. You may also email cws@cookingwithsoul.com to request removal.

Cookies

You can manage cookies via your browser settings. If you disable cookies, some features may not work properly.


6) Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Enable core site functionality

  • Remember preferences

  • Measure traffic and usage to improve the site (including through Google Analytics)

Cookie use may vary depending on your device, browser, and settings.


7) Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

  • Newsletter information is generally retained until you unsubscribe (or request deletion, where applicable).

  • Analytics data is retained according to our Google Analytics settings.

  • Comments and related metadata may be retained to maintain discussion threads, support moderation, and help detect spam.


8) Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures designed to protect information. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.


9) Children’s Privacy

The Service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us at cws@cookingwithsoul.com and we will take steps to delete it.


10) Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before providing information.


11) Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:

  • Request access to personal information we hold about you

  • Request correction or deletion of your personal information

  • Object to or restrict certain processing

  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To make a request, contact cws@cookingwithsoul.com. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling certain requests.


12) Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will update the effective date at the top of this page. Changes become effective when posted.


13) Contact Us

For questions or requests related to this Privacy Policy, contact:
cws@cookingwithsoul.com