X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze commercially available powders of five monosaccharides: glucose, glucosamine, galactosamine, glucuronic acid, and N-acetyl galactosamine. These powders were pressed onto a sample holder and analyzed as received from the manufacturer. Survey spectra and high-resolution spectra of O 1s and C 1s of all monosaccharides are reported, including N 1s for N-acetyl galactosamine, glucosamine, and galactosamine and Cl 2p for glucosamine and galactosamine. Furthermore, the presented data are compared with theoretical values, and differences are discussed.