Cookie Policy

Effective Date: June 9, 2025

Last Updated: June 9, 2025

At Tough Kraut, we believe in transparency - especially when it comes to cookies (not the edible kind, sadly). This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can control them. It’s part of our broader commitment to protecting your privacy and complying with data laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA).

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. These files allow the site to remember your actions and preferences over time - like staying logged in, selecting a language, or tracking how you navigate the site. Some cookies are temporary and deleted after your visit (session cookies), while others remain longer (persistent cookies).

There are two main types:

First-party cookies: Set by Tough Kraut (our website)
Third-party cookies: Set by services we use (e.g., analytics, social media, or advertising platforms)

2. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

Make our website work properly and securely
Remember your preferences and language settings
Analyze visitor behavior to improve our content
Deliver optional features like embedded videos or social sharing tools
Offer relevant affiliate recommendations (only when applicable and never personalized ads without consent)

3. Types of Cookies We Use

On Tough Kraut, we primarily use four categories of cookies. Essential cookies are required for core functionality, such as navigating pages, submitting forms, or storing cookie consent choices. Without them, the site won’t work properly. Performance cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the site, usually through anonymized statistics provided by tools like Wix Analytics. Functionality cookies enhance your experience by remembering preferences such as your chosen language or location. Lastly, affiliate and marketing cookies may track clicks on affiliate links to ensure proper commission attribution. These are used only in cases where affiliate integrations are active and are never deployed without appropriate disclosures and - where required - user consent.

4. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

Under the GDPR, we process cookies on two legal grounds:

Consent – for any cookies that are not essential (e.g., analytics or affiliate tracking)
Legitimate interest – for strictly necessary cookies used to deliver basic functionality

Under the CCPA/CPRA, cookie use may constitute “selling” or “sharing” of personal information. We do not sell your personal data, but we do offer options for visitors to opt out of non-essential cookies and recognize Do Not Sell/Share requests.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You control your cookies. You can:

Use our cookie banner to accept or reject non-essential cookies
Adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies
Activate Do Not Track (DNT) or Global Privacy Control (GPC), which we honor where technically feasible

Please note that blocking essential cookies may affect your experience on the site.

6. Third-Party Cookies

Some trusted third-party services we use may place cookies on your device. These include:

Wix Analytics – for website performance insights
Social sharing features – such as YouTube or Instagram embeds
Affiliate tracking tools – to ensure commission accuracy (when active)

Each third party has its own privacy policy and compliance standards. We strive to work only with providers that respect user privacy and data rights.

7. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated to reflect changes in the law, services we use, or how we use cookies. If the changes are significant, we will provide a clear notice on our site.

8. Contact Us

Have questions or concerns about cookies or privacy?

Email: toughkraut.contact@gmail.com

Thanks for visiting our digital homestead — we’re glad you’re here (cookies and all).