What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember your actions and preferences over a period of time, so you do not have to re-enter them whenever you return or navigate between pages.
Ostran Notebook is an independent editorial publication focused on everyday nutrition and balanced eating habits. This Cookie Policy explains which cookies this publication uses, the purpose of each, and how you may adjust your preferences at any time.
Ostran Notebook is an independent editorial publication focused on everyday wellness practices. The publication is not affiliated with any commercial, governmental, or institutional body.
Categories of Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are required for the website to function. They enable core features such as page navigation, access to secure areas, and the processing of the cookie consent banner itself. Without these cookies, certain parts of the site cannot be delivered.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie preference selection | 12 months |
| session_id | Maintains session continuity during your visit | Session |
Legal basis: Legitimate interest. These cannot be disabled.
Functional Cookies
Functional cookies allow the website to remember choices you make — such as your preferred reading format or language — and provide enhanced features accordingly. These cookies do not track your activity on other websites.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ui_prefs | Remembers display preferences set during your visit | 6 months |
| reading_pos | Saves scroll position on long-form articles | Session |
Legal basis: Consent. You may decline these via the cookie banner.
Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help Ostran Notebook understand how readers engage with content — which articles are read, how long readers remain on a page, and which sections generate the most interest. This information informs editorial decisions. All data collected is aggregated and does not identify individual readers.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes users for aggregate reporting (Google Analytics) | 24 months |
| _ga_* | Session-level analytics for content performance | 24 months |
| _gid | Distinguishes users across single-day sessions | 24 hours |
Legal basis: Consent. You may decline these via the cookie banner.
Third-Party Embedded Content
Some pages on Ostran Notebook embed content from third-party services — including maps provided by Google. When such content is loaded, those third-party services may set their own cookies subject to their respective privacy and cookie policies. Ostran Notebook does not control these cookies. You can prevent their placement by selecting "Functional Only" in the cookie banner, which disables non-essential embeds.
Legal basis: Consent. Declined via partial or functional-only selection in the cookie banner.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
When you first visit Ostran Notebook, a cookie banner appears at the foot of the page. You may choose between three options:
- — Accept All — strictly necessary, functional, and analytics cookies are all enabled.
- — Accept Partial — strictly necessary and functional cookies are enabled; analytics cookies are declined.
- — Functional Only — only strictly necessary cookies are placed. No analytics or third-party embeds are activated.
You may revisit and change your preference at any time using the Cookie Settings link in the footer.
You may also control cookies directly through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to view, delete, and block cookies from specific sites. Please note that disabling all cookies may affect the functionality of some pages. Guidance for common browsers is available from the browser's own help documentation.
Data Retention and International Transfers
Cookie data gathered via analytics tools may be processed on servers located outside the United Kingdom. Where such processing occurs, Ostran Notebook relies on appropriate safeguards, including standard contractual clauses approved by relevant data protection authorities.
Aggregated analytics data is retained for a period of 26 months before automatic deletion. Strictly necessary cookies expire at the end of your session unless otherwise noted in the table above. Your consent record is retained for 12 months.
Changes to This Policy
Ostran Notebook may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or editorial practice. When a material change is made, the "Last updated" date at the top of this page is revised accordingly. Continued use of the site after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
For questions about this policy or the handling of cookie data, please write to: