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Cookie Policy

Last updated: 19/03/2026

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Basket List ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website and services. By using Basket List, you agree to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

We believe in transparency and respecting your privacy. Basket List uses only essential and preference cookies — we do not use any tracking, analytics, or advertising cookies.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies can be "session" cookies (which expire when you close your browser) or "persistent" cookies (which remain on your device until deleted or expired).

3. Cookies We Use

Basket List uses a minimal number of cookies, all of which are essential for the Service to function or to remember your preferences:

3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are essential for you to navigate the Service and use its features. Without these cookies, we cannot provide the Service to you.

Authentication Session Cookies

  • Purpose: Maintain your login state and provide secure access to your account
  • Provider: better-auth (self-hosted authentication framework)
  • Type: Session cookie (HTTP-only, secure)
  • Duration: Session-based (expires when you close your browser, or based on your login settings)
  • Data Stored: Encrypted session token, user ID reference

3.2 Preference Cookies (Functional)

These cookies remember your preferences and choices to provide you with a more personalized experience. They are not essential but enhance your user experience.

Sidebar State Cookie

  • Cookie Name: sidebar_state
  • Purpose: Remember whether you prefer the sidebar collapsed or expanded
  • Type: Persistent cookie
  • Duration: 7 days
  • Data Stored: Boolean value (true or false)

3.3 What We Don't Use

Basket List does NOT use any of the following:

  • Analytics cookies (no Google Analytics, Plausible, etc.)
  • Advertising or marketing cookies
  • Social media tracking cookies
  • Third-party tracking pixels or beacons
  • Cross-site tracking technologies

4. Why We Don't Need a Cookie Consent Banner

Under UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), websites only need cookie consent banners if they use non-essential cookies (such as analytics, advertising, or tracking cookies).

Basket List uses only:

  • Essential cookies required for authentication and security
  • Preference cookies that remember your UI settings

Both of these cookie types are exempt from requiring explicit consent under UK law, as they are either strictly necessary or store user preferences without tracking behavior.

This means you can use Basket List without being interrupted by cookie consent popups, while still maintaining full transparency about what cookies we use and why.

5. Local Storage and IndexedDB

In addition to cookies, Basket List uses browser local storage and IndexedDB to enable offline functionality and real-time data synchronization:

  • IndexedDB: Used by Electric SQL to cache your recipes and shopping lists locally for offline access and fast performance
  • TanStack DB: Local-first data storage that syncs with our servers

This local data storage is essential for the Service to function and provides you with a fast, offline-capable experience. All locally stored data is encrypted and synced securely.

6. Managing and Deleting Cookies

While the cookies we use are essential for the Service to function, you can still manage cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies will prevent you from using Basket List, as authentication and core functionality depend on them.

How to manage cookies in common browsers:

  • 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

For more detailed information about managing cookies, visit www.aboutcookies.org.

7. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our use of cookies or legal requirements. If we make material changes that affect your privacy, we will notify you by email or through a prominent notice on our Service.

If we ever introduce non-essential cookies (such as analytics), we will implement a proper consent mechanism before doing so.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:

Basket List, Inc.

United Kingdom

Summary: Our Cookie Promise

  • ✓We only use essential cookies for authentication and security
  • ✓We use one preference cookie to remember your sidebar setting
  • ✓We do not use any tracking or analytics cookies
  • ✓We do not sell or share your data with advertisers
  • ✓We will always be transparent about any cookies we use