The contemporary trends in maize breeding are directed at identification of genotypes with improved grain quality for human consumption, industrial processing, and their incorporation into breeding programmes. In this study, three maize hybrids and three open-pollinated varieties (OPVs), differing in grain colour and type, were used to examine the differences in the total carotenoid content, the phenolic compounds profile and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In addition, physical parameters, basic chemical composition, as well as the content of protein fractions in grain, were analysed. The multivariate approach through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) application contributed to better understanding of the complexity of the interdependence for maize grain quality parameters tested. From the aspect of different end use, better technological quality desirable for dry milling and snack food processing found in OPVs Osmak and Bosanac, as well as high content of bioactive compounds (i.e. TAC) exhibited by OPV Rumenka, make these genotypes superior compared to hybrids’ varieties evaluated.