Because of the lack of understanding of microcosmic mechanisms of energy and mass transport, the current cold chain consumes too much energy and cannot guarantee the perfect quality of food, which is against to the sustainable development of environment. The key objective of this perspective article is to put forward the concept of super cold chain starting from the study of microscopic mechanism. In addition, the necessity and advantages of developing super cold chain are also emphasized. Finally, the development direction is expounded. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.