Colourants used in food products can be divided into natural and synthetic colourants. The use of the latter raises many controversies because of their potentially harmful effect on human body. Of particular concern is the disadvantageous effect of artificial colourants on the behaviour and health of children. The objective of the study was to assess the composition of some selected products for children with regard to the colourants applied. Colourific compounds used in the sweets and beverages for children were reviewed based on the manufacturer’s declarations covering 107 products designed for children including beverages, jellies, lollipops, candies, and confectionery decorations. The results were discussed in the context of the toxicity of colourants applied in the food industry. Moreover, a brief description of the colouring substances found in the products analysed was presented with particular focus on the synthetic compounds. It was found that the manufacturers of the analysed products for children used, primarily, extracts and concentrates of plant origin, and alternatively natural colourants or those identical with the natural compounds. The use of synthetic colourants is limited as recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). As declared by the manufacturers of the food products for children on the labels thereon, none of the three organic synthetic colourants belonged to a „Southampton Six” group. This name is given to some colourants (quinoline yellow – E104, tartrazine – E102, FCF sunset yellow – E110, carmoisine – E122, ponceau 4R – E124, allura red AC – E129) in respect of whom there are grounds for believing that their effect on the activity and attention in children is disadvantageous.