Effect of the ripening period, the amount of added nitrate and time of light exposure on the colour characteristics of model dry-cured meat product was study. Colour coordinates: L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness), C* (chroma) and H° (hue) were determined using a Minolta CR-300. Colour stability was expressed as ΔE* values. The used colour coordinates were very useful for describing the colour changes of model dry-cured meat product. The product after 3 months of ripening showed the highest redness with the slightest shifting the hue toward the yellow part of the spectrum. The amount of added nitrate did not have significant influence on differentiation of all colour parameters. The colour stability in the model products after 3 and 7 months of ripening was better than after 1 month. The results obtained in this study confirmed existing problem with discoloration of cured meat displayed in light.